About Us
Observable Space is a venture-backed aerospace and optics company developing advanced observation systems for government, commercial, and research applications. Formed through the merger of PlaneWave Instruments and OurSky, the company brings together proven precision hardware with next-generation platform capabilities.
We are a scaling organization grounded in engineering excellence, focused on delivering high-performance products while continuously advancing our manufacturing capabilities.
The Role
Observable Space is seeking a Precision Manufacturing Manager to lead its optics production function. While deep optics expertise is not required, this role demands strong leadership in high-precision manufacturing environments and a demonstrated ability to deliver consistent, high-quality output at scale.
Optics are fundamental to overall system performance. This role is critical in ensuring that production processes are robust, repeatable, and capable of meeting rigorous quality and delivery standards. The position carries full responsibility for production execution, quality outcomes, and team development within the optics area, and offers the opportunity to contribute to some of the most advanced precision manufacturing and metrology processes in the industry.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and development for a team of technicians and operators within the optics function
Drive production performance to meet schedule, yield, and quality objectives
Establish and optimize scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes
Reduce variability, scrap, and rework through disciplined process control
Strengthen documentation, standards, and operational rigor
Partner cross-functionally with engineering, assembly, and coating teams
Lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis efforts
Ensure safe, organized, and high-performing production environments
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in precision manufacturing environments (e.g., aerospace, medical devices, machining)
Demonstrated success leading teams in a production setting
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
Track record of driving process improvements and measurable operational results
Intellectual curiosity and a first-principles approach to solving complex challenges
Preferred but not required:
Exposure to optics, metrology, or high-precision surface manufacturing
Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Health savings account
Flexible spending account
Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in precision manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated success leading teams in a production setting
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
- Track record of driving process improvements and measurable operational results
What We Do
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.
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