Sr. Industrial Designer
About The Position
Observable Space is seeking an Industrial Designer to shape the next generation of telescopes, laser communications terminals, and space optics hardware. The role turns complex technical requirements into thoughtfully designed products, combining aesthetic judgment, an understanding of how people use equipment, and practical knowledge of manufacturing. Working with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, the designer develops products from early sketches and physical mockups through production. The work defines how systems look, feel, and function for the people who install, operate, and maintain them, while establishing a consistent design language across the product family. The position leads design projects from concept exploration through prototyping, refinement, and production support. It involves communicating ideas through sketches, CAD models, renderings, and physical prototypes; designing for handling, transport, installation, operation, and maintenance; and integrating technical requirements into resolved product designs. The designer also defines materials, finishes, details, markings, and fit-and-finish expectations, and works with engineering, fabrication, and supplier partners to carry design intent into manufactured hardware. The role is based in a flexible work environment: employees may work from the office or in a hybrid arrangement, with at least three days per week in the office required for the Los Angeles office. The company offers competitive compensation, equity opportunities, benefits, and access to hardware and software tools.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- At least 5 years of industrial design experience developing physical products, including products that have reached production.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating concept development, aesthetic judgment, 3D modeling, physical prototyping, and finished hardware.
- Proficiency in CAD and surface modeling tools such as SolidWorks, Rhino, NX, or Alias, including the ability to exchange usable geometry with engineering teams.
- Strong visualization skills using KeyShot, Blender, or equivalent tools.
- Practical understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, assembly methods, and design for manufacture.
- Hands-on experience building prototypes and using them to inform design decisions.
- Ability to explain design choices clearly, incorporate technical feedback, and manage multiple projects with substantial independence.
- Interest in precision instruments, optical technologies, and hardware built for demanding environments.
- Portfolio submission showing the design process, individual contribution, constraints addressed, and quality of the final result.
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing telescopes, scientific instruments, optical systems, aerospace hardware, robotics, or other technically complex equipment.
- Experience with rugged outdoor products, environmental sealing, protective enclosures, and serviceable assemblies.
- Familiarity with CNC machining, sheet metal, castings, composites, additive manufacturing, or injection molding.
- Understanding of how industrial design choices affect optical clearances, alignment access, thermal behavior, cleanliness, and surface reflections.
- Experience observing customers or field teams and translating their needs into product improvements.
Responsibilities
- Lead industrial design projects from concept exploration through prototyping, design refinement, and production support.
- Develop a cohesive design language across telescopes, optical terminals, enclosures, and supporting equipment.
- Communicate and evaluate ideas through sketches, 3D CAD models, renderings, and physical prototypes.
- Design for handling, transport, installation, cable management, operator controls, and maintenance access.
- Partner with engineering teams to integrate optical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements into product designs.
- Define color, material, and finish specifications, surface details, product markings, and fit-and-finish expectations.
- Build and test mockups to evaluate proportions, ergonomics, assembly access, and user workflows.
- Work with engineers, fabricators, and suppliers to select manufacturing processes and carry design intent into finished hardware.
- Participate in design reviews and refine products based on prototype testing, manufacturing feedback, and customer experience.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation aligned with industry standards and experience.
- Equity opportunities through stock options.
- Flexible work environment, with office or hybrid work options and a minimum of three office days per week for the Los Angeles office.
- Unlimited PTO for exempt employees, including paid holidays.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 100% of employee premiums paid by the employer.
- Access to the latest hardware and software tools.
- Mission-driven culture and a supportive, diverse, inclusive team.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
