Planet
About Planet
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Mechanical Engineer
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Planet . Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and a data company. Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles. Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands. About The Role
The Mechanical Engineering team at Planet is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of next generation spacecraft payload components across Planet’s fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Your mission will be to champion our payload design efforts, from the subsystem level to the top-level instrument and spacecraft. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned mechanical designer who has led mechanical subsystem development across multiple programs from conceptual design through manufacturing and testing and into flight. As a member of the Payload Mechanical Engineering team within Planet’s Space Systems division, you will be a key contributor and stakeholder in Planet’s agile aerospace approach to payload design. You will work closely with Planet Mechanical Engineering Team, Electro-Optical Team, Qualification Team, Manufacturing team, and other spacecraft design teams. This is a full-time, in-office position based in San Francisco, five days per week. Responsibilities
Own the mechanical design for payload subsystem components across Planet’s satellite fleet Drive documentation and presentation of new designs throughout design phases and reviews Collaborate with structural and thermal analysis teams to drive or perform analyses on key optical performance metrics Drive part and assembly tolerancing using GD&T, and own release of drawing packages for part fabrication Perform design and analysis to ensure survivability throughout the component lifecycle Drive part and assembly design and fabrication in partnership with key vendors Collaborate with optical engineers and instrument assembly teams to implement design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features Support interface control document (ICD) development and size and develop interfaces for subsystems Support test planning and qualification campaigns Support debugging and root-cause analysis on-orbit and during production Be hands-on with flight and test hardware What You Bring
4+ years of cumulative experience owning products from requirements through conceptual design, testing and manufacturing Proficiency in CAD and Product Lifecycle Management software Proficiency using GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 to generate quality, low-cost parts Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field Experience with design and fabrication of composites or metal components Experience with kinematic systems or high-precision actuators that must be aligned and stable until end of life Hands-on experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing Self-motivated and responsible in a dynamic environment Strong verbal and visual communication skills What Makes You Stand Out
Experience designing opto-mechanical components such as cameras, lens mounts, AR/VR, telescopes, LIDAR, MEMS, or similar sensor technologies Experience designing products for low or mid-volume serial production and understanding tradeoffs between manufacturing methods Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA Experience in optics/opto-mechanical hardware, mechanisms, and/or structures Experience designing flexures and bonded joint assemblies Experience designing athermal systems Machine shop experience fabricating or modifying parts (CNC Mill/Router, Mill, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D printer) Exposure to STOP (Structural, Thermal and Optical Performance) analysis Proficiency in Python, Matlab, or Visual Basic (VBA) Application Deadline
December 19, 2025 by 11:59 PM PST EAR/ITAR Requirements
This position requires access to export-controlled information, and employment is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing. Benefits While Working At Planet
These offerings depend 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 is listed below, with potential for discretionary incentives. Final salary is determined by experience, skills and location. Salary ranges shown are typical for US locations and may vary by location. Your recruiter can share more during the hiring process. San Francisco Salary Range: $128,400—$160,500 USD Why We Care About Belonging
Planet is committed to belonging and diversity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. We aim to fulfill people’s careers and are motivated by humanitarian efforts. EEO Statement
Planet is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or 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 laws. Know Your Rights. Accommodations
Planet is an inclusive community. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact accommodations@planet.com or your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential. Privacy Policy
Privacy notices apply to applicants in California and Europe. By applying, you acknowledge the applicable privacy notices and consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information as described therein.
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Join to apply for the
Mechanical Engineer
role at
Planet . Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and a data company. Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles. Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands. About The Role
The Mechanical Engineering team at Planet is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of next generation spacecraft payload components across Planet’s fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Your mission will be to champion our payload design efforts, from the subsystem level to the top-level instrument and spacecraft. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned mechanical designer who has led mechanical subsystem development across multiple programs from conceptual design through manufacturing and testing and into flight. As a member of the Payload Mechanical Engineering team within Planet’s Space Systems division, you will be a key contributor and stakeholder in Planet’s agile aerospace approach to payload design. You will work closely with Planet Mechanical Engineering Team, Electro-Optical Team, Qualification Team, Manufacturing team, and other spacecraft design teams. This is a full-time, in-office position based in San Francisco, five days per week. Responsibilities
Own the mechanical design for payload subsystem components across Planet’s satellite fleet Drive documentation and presentation of new designs throughout design phases and reviews Collaborate with structural and thermal analysis teams to drive or perform analyses on key optical performance metrics Drive part and assembly tolerancing using GD&T, and own release of drawing packages for part fabrication Perform design and analysis to ensure survivability throughout the component lifecycle Drive part and assembly design and fabrication in partnership with key vendors Collaborate with optical engineers and instrument assembly teams to implement design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features Support interface control document (ICD) development and size and develop interfaces for subsystems Support test planning and qualification campaigns Support debugging and root-cause analysis on-orbit and during production Be hands-on with flight and test hardware What You Bring
4+ years of cumulative experience owning products from requirements through conceptual design, testing and manufacturing Proficiency in CAD and Product Lifecycle Management software Proficiency using GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 to generate quality, low-cost parts Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field Experience with design and fabrication of composites or metal components Experience with kinematic systems or high-precision actuators that must be aligned and stable until end of life Hands-on experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing Self-motivated and responsible in a dynamic environment Strong verbal and visual communication skills What Makes You Stand Out
Experience designing opto-mechanical components such as cameras, lens mounts, AR/VR, telescopes, LIDAR, MEMS, or similar sensor technologies Experience designing products for low or mid-volume serial production and understanding tradeoffs between manufacturing methods Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA Experience in optics/opto-mechanical hardware, mechanisms, and/or structures Experience designing flexures and bonded joint assemblies Experience designing athermal systems Machine shop experience fabricating or modifying parts (CNC Mill/Router, Mill, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D printer) Exposure to STOP (Structural, Thermal and Optical Performance) analysis Proficiency in Python, Matlab, or Visual Basic (VBA) Application Deadline
December 19, 2025 by 11:59 PM PST EAR/ITAR Requirements
This position requires access to export-controlled information, and employment is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing. Benefits While Working At Planet
These offerings depend 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 is listed below, with potential for discretionary incentives. Final salary is determined by experience, skills and location. Salary ranges shown are typical for US locations and may vary by location. Your recruiter can share more during the hiring process. San Francisco Salary Range: $128,400—$160,500 USD Why We Care About Belonging
Planet is committed to belonging and diversity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. We aim to fulfill people’s careers and are motivated by humanitarian efforts. EEO Statement
Planet is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or 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 laws. Know Your Rights. Accommodations
Planet is an inclusive community. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact accommodations@planet.com or your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential. Privacy Policy
Privacy notices apply to applicants in California and Europe. By applying, you acknowledge the applicable privacy notices and consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information as described therein.
#J-18808-Ljbffr