Staff Full Stack Software Engineer

About the role

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 thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.

We combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. 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 Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space http://observable.space.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Full Stack Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. This role will involve deep engagement with our backend microservices, typescript front ends, and c++ edge processing applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software engineering, with specific expertise in distributed systems, relational database design, reactive frontend programming, and a keen eye for design. This role will report directly to the VP of Software Engineering.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP & VISION

- Own multi-quarter technical roadmaps for platform systems, translating company goals into durable architectural decisions.

- Define and evangelize engineering standards, patterns, and best practices across teams — writing the documents other engineers reference.

- Drive architectural decisions for distributed systems and ensure long-term technical scalability across the stack.

- Identify and resolve systemic technical risks before they become production incidents.

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT

- Lead multi-team technical design processes — writing RFCs, facilitating alignment, and driving decisions to closure.

- Actively develop senior and mid-level engineers through design reviews, pairing, and structured feedback.

- Translate complex technical tradeoffs into business impact for non-technical stakeholders including executives and customers.

- Work closely with cross-functional teams to define and deliver solutions for our customers.

- Contribute to hiring by interviewing candidates and helping define what "great" looks like at Observable Space.

EXECUTION & ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

- Design, build, and maintain Kotlin backend microservices, C++ edge applications, and reactive frontends.