Director, Electrical Engineering

Job description

DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Location: Los Angeles, CA 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 We are seeking an experienced Director of Electrical Engineering to lead and scale our electrical engineering department. This role will play a critical leadership position in advancing our product line of observatory systems and laser communication systems, driving both architectural vision and execution across complex, high-performance hardware. This will be a hands-on technical leader role, and the ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in both circuit and broad electrical system design, paired with a proven ability to lead teams, define engineering standards, and guide products from concept through production. This individual will operate at both the system and organizational level, partnering cross-functionally while building a high-performing, scalable engineering organization. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Lead the end-to-end development of electrical systems from early concept and prototyping through production and field deployment. - Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of electrical engineers across varying levels of experience. - Define and own the electrical architecture across observatory platforms, including PCBs, harnessing, and subsystem integration. - Establish best practices in circuit design, signal integrity, EMI/EMC compliance, and power distribution at a system level. - Provide technical oversight on schematic design, simulation, layout, and validation to ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability. - Drive rigorous testing methodologies and validation plans to ensure system performance and safety requirements are met. - Define and document electrical interfaces, system architectures, and product requirements to enable efficient cross-team execution. - Collaborate with manufacturing partners to ensure smooth transitions from prototype to scaled production. - Champion design for manufacturing (DFM), design for test (DFT), and design for reliability (DFR) across all programs. - Partner closely with mechanical, software, optical, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless system integration. - Identify and mitigate risks related to high-speed interfaces, vibration environments, thermal performance, and long-term field reliability. - Support supplier selection, manufacturing processes, and quality control standards. WHAT YOU'LL BRING - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field. - 10+ years of experience in a relevant electrical engineering role. - Strong understanding of DC power circuits, motor drivers, common interfaces/protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, MIPI, PCIe), ADCs, microcontrollers, opamps, and transistor circuits. - Excellent circuit debugging skills, knowledge of power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters. - Comfortable with PCB rework including soldering, staking, cutting traces, preparing wires. - Experience with circuit simulation and design tools. - Understanding of circuit board construction, transmission line structures, signal integrity, EMI/EMC, via types, and component types. - Understanding of wire harnessing fundamentals such as electrical checkout, hi-pot testing, impedance characterization, and shielding. - An acute product sense and place an emphasis on design for manufacturing and field reliability. - An ability to thrive in a fast paced dynamic environment where rapid prototyping is the norm. - An iterative mindset- perfect is the enemy of good. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with Altium (or similar PCB software) and LTSpice (or similar software). - Familiarity with high rate interconnect - backplane technologies like VPX with capabilities > 100GB/s - Experience with electromagnetics simulation software (ADS, HFSS). - Experience with high-reliability validation testing campaigns. - Experience with high speed SerDes interface design and testing. - Experience mitigating mechanical failure points for PCBs in vibration environments. - A love of astronomy, physics, and science. 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.