Director of Recruitment

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

The Director of Recruiting will be the first dedicated recruiting leader at Observable Space and will play a critical role in shaping the future of our organization. This individual will be responsible for building and executing a scalable talent acquisition strategy that enables the company to attract and hire exceptional talent across engineering, manufacturing, operations, software, and executive leadership functions while supporting rapid growth and the evolving needs of a dynamic startup environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The Director of Recruiting will personally lead searches, partner closely with executives and hiring managers, implement recruiting processes and systems, establish talent acquisition metrics, develop employer branding initiatives, and ultimately build a high-performing recruiting team as the company grows.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced startup environments, enjoys building systems from scratch, and can effectively balance strategic planning with day-to-day recruiting execution.

What You'll Do

Talent Acquisition Strategy

• Develop and execute the company's overall recruiting strategy aligned with business growth objectives.

• Partner with executive leadership to forecast hiring needs and workforce plans.

• Build recruiting processes that support rapid growth while maintaining a high hiring bar.

• Establish recruiting KPIs and reporting metrics to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

Full-Cycle Recruiting

• Personally manage and execute searches across technical, manufacturing, leadership, and other key roles essential to scaling a high-growth startup. .

• Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements, interview processes, and candidate profiles.

• Source passive candidates through creative and proactive recruiting methods.

• Lead offer negotiations and closing strategies for key hires.

• Ensure an exceptional candidate experience throughout the hiring process.

Recruiting Operations & Systems

• Optimize and manage the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and recruiting technology stack.

• Build interview frameworks, scorecards, and hiring best practices.

• Develop consistent hiring manager training and interview calibration processes.

• Create recruiting dashboards and reporting for leadership.

• Improve efficiency and scalability of hiring processes across the organization.

Employer Branding & Talent Marketing

• Develop and strengthen Observable Space's employer brand.

• Create strategies to increase awareness within aerospace, optics, software, and manufacturing talent communities.

• Partner with marketing and leadership to showcase company culture, mission, and growth opportunities.

• Build relationships with universities, industry organizations, and professional networks.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and scale the recruiting function as hiring demand increases.

• Hire, mentor, and develop future recruiters, coordinators, and recruiting operations team members.

• Create a high-performance recruiting culture focused on quality, speed, and accountability.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executives and hiring leaders.

What You'll Bring

Required

• 8+ years of recruiting experience with at least 3 years leading recruiting teams or functions.

• Experience recruiting for highly technical roles including engineering, software, aerospace, manufacturing, or related industries.

• Demonstrated success building recruiting programs, processes, or teams from the ground up.

• Strong sourcing, interviewing, and candidate assessment skills.

• Experience partnering directly with executive leadership.

• Data-driven approach to recruiting with strong analytical and reporting capabilities.

• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills

Preferred

• Experience within aerospace, defense, space, optics, robotics, hardware, or advanced manufacturing environments.

• Experience supporting high-growth startup or venture-backed organizations.

• Familiarity with Ashby or similar modern ATS platforms.

• Experience building employer branding and talent marketing programs.

• Experience scaling organizations through periods of rapid growth.
  
  

Why You'll Love It Here

• Be part of a mission-driven company helping shape the future of space infrastructure

• The opportunity to build and scale a global managed services organization from the ground up

• Competitive Compensation- A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.

• A collaborative culture that rewards initiative, curiosity, and results

• Equity Opportunity

• 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.

• 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.