What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optical Precision Manufacturing Manager position at Observable Space?
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
Pay: $45,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $45,000 - $100,000