Manufacturing Software Engineer

From telescopes to software architecture, Observable Space provides the foundational elements every organization needs to operate in space. Observable Space is unlocking continuous, real-time observations of space with the industry’s first line of vertically integrated hardware and software products. The company is the result of a merger between PlaneWave Instruments, the leader in advanced telescope design and manufacturing in the US, and OurSky, a company founded by SpaceX’s former VP of software engineering to create a developer platform for space data applications. Observable Space’s full line of products serves all sectors of the space industry including commercial, science, education, and government customers, as well as astronomy enthusiasts discovering the cosmos.

Observable Space is backed by top institutional investors–Upfront Ventures, Oceans Ventures, Venrex, Marlinspike Partners, and Embedded Ventures.

We are seeking a Software Engineer to act as the bridge between our remote software development team and our in-house assembly and production teams. This is a hands-on, problem-solving role focused on rolling out new software, diagnosing issues, and ensuring smooth integration with our hardware systems. This position is ideal for someone with solid software fundamentals who enjoys debugging, scripting, and system administration tasks more than building large-scale new applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between the software development team and in-house production staff.

• Deploy, configure, and test software updates on telescope and observatory hardware.

• Troubleshoot and diagnose software-related issues in production and assembly environments.

• Write and maintain end of line diagnostics, testing harnesses, and system setup.

• Document issues, solutions, and procedures for internal teams.

• Assist in configuring hardware/software interfaces, ensuring compatibility and stable operation.

• Provide feedback to the development team on integration challenges, bug reports, and usability concerns.

• Support network, OS, and application-level configuration in Linux and Windows environments.
  

Basic Qualifications

• 1+ year of professional experience in a software, sysadmin, or technical support role.

• Strong software fundamentals, with the ability to read and understand code (Python, Bash, or similar).

• Familiarity with Linux and Windows system administration.

• Comfort with basic networking concepts and tools (IP addressing, SSH, etc.).

• Strong troubleshooting skills across software, hardware, and network interfaces.

• Ability to clearly document issues and solutions.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hardware/software integration environments (manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, etc.).

• Familiarity with version control (Git) and issue tracking tools (Jira, GitHub Issues).

• Experience with containerized applications (Docker) and basic cloud service usage.

• Understanding of serial, CAN, or other device communication protocols.

• Basic electronics familiarity to support debugging with engineering teams.

• An interest in astronomy, physics, or science.

What We Offer

• 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.

Observable Space is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.