Spacecraft Systems Engineer

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 cloud-based 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 people-centric 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 currently seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support Planets spacecraft development of Pelican Spacecraft. As a spacecraft technical lead you will guide an agile engineering team through requirements formulation design verification and validation (V&V) as well as integration assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will interface directly with the customer to assess their mission needs and perform mission-level analyses quantifying their constellation performance. You will also work directly with our Manufacturing and Test Teams to ensure all requirements and any non-conformances are dispositioned.

This is a full-time hybrid position which is required to work in our San Francisco HQ approximately 4 days per week.

Impact Youll Own:

• Drive the development and growth of Planets electro-optical imaging satellites
• Develop and execute plans for verification and validation of the satellite system and ground systems including environmental functional and end-to-end testing
• Lead definition and assessment of system level budgets
• Participate in the assembly integration and testing of satellite systems including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned
• Collaborate with our mission operations as well as data product teams to ensure that the satellite system meets the needs of our customer
• Participate in the assembly integration and testing of satellite systems including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned
• Lead the technical coordination of multiple teams including Mechanical Thermal ADSCS/GNC Propulsion Electrical and Manufacturing engineering teams

What You Bring:

• Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or similar
• 4 years of experience in the design and development of satellite systems
• Customer facing experience in briefings and design reviews
• Understanding of one or multiple satellite subsystems including Mechanical Thermal ADSCS/GNC Propulsion or Electrical
• Familiarity with requirements formulation validation and verification best practices
• Experience with vehicle testing including both functional and environmental testing

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or similar.
• 5 years of experience working in the satellite industry including design/analysis AI&T and/or V&V.
• Familiar with industry standards including NASA GEVS and SMC-S-16 for small satellites (50-200 kg)
• Remote Sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
• Knowledge of design for space environment best practice
• Experience with constellation design or orbital simulations in custom tool suites or STK
• Excellent understanding of ground segment architecture including mission control and mission processing elements

Application Deadline:

September 14 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled information and as such employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidates ability to access all applicable export-controlled 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 company-wide 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 full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term 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 well-rounded 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.

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