Manufacturing Technician Lead

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs builds and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloudbased platform to authoritative figures in commercial environmental and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planets data to develop new technologies drive revenue power research and solve our worlds toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design manufacturing data processing and software engineering our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a peoplecentric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco Washington DC Germany Austria Slovenia and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Manufacturing Technician Lead to join our team and contribute to the assembly testing and delivery of hundreds of satellites. As a lead technician you will oversee a small team of dedicated technicians ensuring the smooth operation of satellite production in our lab. Youll serve as the inhouse expert on your project addressing issues collaborating with engineers delegating tasks and working handson. This role offers growth potential into a people management position.

This is a fulltime inoffice position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.

Impact Youll Own:

• Lead electromechanical assembly and testing of production and prototype systems.
• Define implement and continuously improve processes and procedures.
• Develop work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee production floor operations ensuring safety and optimization.
• Support testing of electrical systems and boards; document and report failures to the broader team.
• Collaborate with engineers to support project development and troubleshooting.
• Prioritize and delegate tasks within the team ensuring timely and efficient .
• Provide regular status updates on progress and challenges presenting data clearly.
• Become a subject matter expert on satellite subassemblies and overall build processes.
• Train mentor and support new team members as needed.
• Apply continuous improvement methodologies (Lean Six Sigma) to enhance efficiency and quality.

What You Bring:

• Leadership abilities with experience delegating tasks and overseeing team activities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate at all levels.
• Experience working with crossfunctional teams including engineers.
• Excellent organizational analytical and problemsolving skills.
• 6 years of handson experience as a technician with a proactive and selfdriven approach to work.
• Ability to write and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Familiarity with laboratory safety and best practices.
• Comfortable working independently while also thriving as part of a team.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and priorities while managing complex issues.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience managing small teams of technicians.
• Familiarity with reporting and managing Jira tickets.
• Ability to implement continuous improvement processes.
• Proficiency in reading both mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Experience operating light machine shop equipment (mill lathe band saw chop saw etc..
• Experience collaborating with quality supply chain inventory and engineering teams.

Application Deadline:

July 13 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to exportcontrolled information and as such employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidates ability to access all applicable exportcontrolled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Comprehensive Medical Dental and Vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and companywide days off
• 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity
• Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
• Volunteering Paid Time Off

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this fulltime position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally this role might be eligible for discretionary shortterm and longterm incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job related experience skills and location. The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Why we care so much about Belonging.
Were dedicated to helping the whole Planet and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. Thats why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belongingdreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you but youre thinking you might not have all the qualifications please... do apply! At Planet we are looking for wellrounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description. We dont just fill positions we aspire to fulfill peoples careers most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts. We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be so we hope youre excited to come along for the ride.

EEO statement:
Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race religious creed color national origin ancestry physical disability mental disability medical condition genetic information marital status sex gender gender identity gender expression pregnancy childbirth and breastfeeding age sexual orientation military or veteran status or any other protected classification in accordance with applicable federal state and local laws. Know Your Rights.

Accommodations:
Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process please reach out to or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

Privacy Policy: By clicking Apply Now at the top of this job posting I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants and hereby consent to the collection processing use and storage of my personal information as described therein.

Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking Apply Now at the top of this job posting I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe and hereby consent to the collection processing use and storage of my personal information as described therein.