Electrical Engineer, Photonics

Electrical Engineer, Photonics Location: Los Angeles, CA or Detroit, MI

About Observable Space At Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, Raytheon, and the US DoD, among others, and power the work of leading research institutions.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded computing, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products. From advanced ground stations, on orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.

Observable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures.

About the Role As an Electrical Engineer, Photonics, you will work across our full product line, from ground-based telescopes to on-orbit optical payloads. You will design, integrate, and validate photonic and electro-optical systems that enable high-performance sensing, imaging, and data acquisition in both terrestrial and space environments.

This role sits at the intersection of electronics, optics, and physics. You will own the electrical design and integration of optical sensors, detectors, laser-based systems, and high-speed signal chains, ensuring performance is maintained through challenging conditions including thermal extremes, vacuum, radiation, and long-duration autonomous operation. You will work closely with optical, mechanical, and software teams to deliver tightly integrated systems.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop electrical systems for photonic and electro-optical subsystems, including detectors, sensors, laser interfaces, and high-speed data acquisition chains.

• Own schematic capture, PCB design, and bring-up for low-noise analog and mixed-signal circuits supporting optical instrumentation.

• Develop and optimize signal chains for photodetectors (e.g., CMOS, CCD, APD, SPAD), including amplification, filtering, digitization, and noise mitigation.

• Design for signal integrity and low-noise performance in high-sensitivity optical systems, including grounding, shielding, and layout strategies.

• Bring up and validate high-speed interfaces such as MIPI, LVDS, JESD, or similar data links used in imaging and sensor systems.

• Collaborate with optical engineers to define electrical interfaces, alignment sensitivities, and performance requirements across optomechanical assemblies.

• Support integration and test of electro-optical systems, including lab characterization, calibration, and debugging of edge-case behaviors.

• Develop and execute validation and qualification plans for hardware operating in harsh environments, including thermal-vacuum and vibration conditions.

• Select components and materials compatible with space and high-reliability applications, including consideration of radiation effects, thermal drift, and long-term stability.

• Contribute to system architecture decisions that balance performance, power, bandwidth, and reliability across the full product stack.

• Participate in design reviews to ensure manufacturability, testability, and long-term serviceability of photonic systems.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• 5+ years of experience in electrical engineering with a focus on photonics, electro-optical systems, or high-performance sensor design.

• Strong proficiency in analog and mixed-signal circuit design, particularly for low-noise and high-speed applications.

• Experience designing and debugging PCBs, including schematic capture, layout collaboration, and board bring-up.

• Hands-on experience with photodetectors, imaging sensors, or optical instrumentation and their associated signal chains.

• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces and data acquisition systems used in imaging or sensing applications.

• Strong understanding of signal integrity, noise analysis, grounding, shielding, and power distribution in sensitive systems.

• Experience using lab instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators to debug complex systems.

• Ability to read and interpret schematics, debug at the electrical level, and work closely with cross-functional teams.

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, iterative hardware environments with rapid design-build-test cycles.

• Strong product mindset with an emphasis on reliability, robustness, and performance in real-world conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space-based or aerospace electro-optical systems, including radiation-aware design considerations.

• Familiarity with laser systems, optical communications, or lidar-related technologies.

• Experience with FPGA-based data acquisition or high-throughput signal processing pipelines.

• Experience with camera systems, image sensors, and end-to-end imaging pipelines.

• Exposure to optomechanical integration and alignment-sensitive system design.

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or automated lab infrastructure.

• Background in astronomy, astrophysics, or scientific instrumentation.

• Passion for building systems that expand our understanding of space and the physical world.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Competitive Compensation – A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

• Equity Opportunities – Take part in our success with stock options.

• Flexible Work Environment – Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)

• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.

• Cutting-Edge Tools – Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.

• Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.

• Inclusive Team – We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.