Staff Full Stack Software Engineer

Staff Full Stack Software Engineer

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 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.

• Design and optimize relational database schemas, ETL pipelines, and data warehousing solutions.

• Debug and resolve complex production issues across the full software stack (backend, frontend, and edge).

• Ensure high reliability and performance in production systems, and establish the observability practices that make this possible.

What You'll Bring

• 8+ years of experience in a relevant software engineering role, with at least 2–3 years in a Staff, Principal, or technical lead capacity.

• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction beyond your immediate team — through documents, standards, or organizational initiatives.

• Track record of improving engineering quality, velocity, or culture at an organizational level.

• Strong programming skills in Java, Kotlin, C++, or C# (we love our statically typed object oriented languages!).

• Excellent data modeling skills - extensive experience working with RDBMSs, ETL processes, and data warehousing.

• Experience in a test-driven development environment.

• Acute product sense, placing an emphasis on user experience and outcomes over outputs.

• An iterative mindset — perfect is the enemy of good, and you know when to pay down technical debt vs. when to ship.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead others through it in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with foreign function interfaces to call rust and C++ from the JVM

• Experience with Kotlin for backend programming and have an allergy to monolithic frameworks and ORMs

• Experience with TypeScript and React to create complex user interfaces

• 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.