Opto-Mechanical 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:

The Electro-Optical Systems team at Planet is seeking an Opto-Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of payloads in Planets fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Your mission will be to champion our payload design efforts with a specific focus on opto-mechanical design and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned opto-mechanical designer who has led optical system engineering efforts across multiple programs from conceptual design through flight. As a member of the Electro-Optical Systems team within Planets Space Systems division you will be a key contributor and stakeholder in Planets agile aerospace approach to spacecraft design and will work hand-in-glove with optical engineering structural analysis thermal engineering and reliability & qualification as well as the rest of Planets leading-edge spacecraft design and manufacturing teams.

This is a full-time in-office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.

Impact Youll Own:

• Own the opto-mechanical manufacturing process of optical payloads on Planets next-generation satellites
• Design the manufacturing line for mid-volume production of optical payloads. Make first principle based data-driven decisions throughout the design process to ensure efficient assembly and test processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as structural thermal analysts and optical engineer groups to drive and perform analyses to ensure payloads meet stiffness strength thermal and launch survivability requirements as well as maintain on-orbit performance through STOP (Structural Thermal Optical Performance)
• Drive part and assembly design manage fabrication with key vendors perform failure analysis and execute tolerance stackup and GD&T analyses to ensure precision and reliability
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation
• Lead technical presentations and reviews across all design review gates
• Support test planning and qualification test campaigns
• Be hands-on with flight and test hardware

What You Bring:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a related technical field.
• 4 years experience owning the development of opto-mechanical products from requirements through conceptual design testing and manufacturing
• Experience designing for high-reliability space environments including launch survivability vacuum conditions on-orbit performance through thermal conditions (STOP)
• Experience in the design and fabrication of optical assemblies incorporating components made from glass carbon fiber metals ceramics epoxies as well as mechanisms and electrical elements
• Practical and direct engagement with hardware from prototyping to production and testing phases
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in a dynamic environment while driving projects to completion
• Outstanding verbal and visual communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Expertise in optics / opto-mechanical manufacturing metrology alignment and calibration
• Ability to build out the manufacturing line for precision optical systems
• Experience with dynamic hardware builds vibration and shock testing telescope assembly and optical performance testing
• Experience applying systems engineering principles to optimize optical payload integration focusing on requirements management trade-off analysis and balancing system-level constraints such as cost schedule and performance
• Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA
• Proficiency in SolidWorks Zemax Matlab Visual Basic Python and/or C/C

Application Deadline:

December 19 2025 by 11:59 PM PST

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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