Planet
Structural Analyst
at
Planet
Join Planet, a global space and data company, to help shape Earth observation systems.
About the Role The Mechanical Engineering team seeks a Structural Analyst to drive design of spacecraft subsystems across Planet’s fleet of Earth‑imaging satellites. You will champion structural analysis from subsystem to top‑level vehicle, collaborating with cross‑functional teams in an agile aerospace environment.
Impact You'll Own
Lead structural analysis on key spacecraft subsystems.
Document and present designs, trade studies, and breakout models to stakeholders.
Collaborate with design teams to meet stiffness, strength, and performance requirements.
Manage vendors for component performance.
Support ICD development and test planning for qualification campaigns.
Debug and root‑cause tests for on‑orbit anomalies.
Work hands‑on with flight and test hardware, including hardware‑in‑the‑loop and destructive testing.
Validate models through testing and model correlation.
What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
4+ years of structural analysis experience in aerospace, automotive, or consumer electronics.
Proficiency with classical hand calculations and finite‑element analysis (NASTRAN preferred).
High‑quality FEM generation and CAD model setup for static and modal analysis.
Strong understanding of strength of materials and common structural failure modes.
Self‑motivated, responsible, and effective in a dynamic environment.
Excellent verbal and visual communication skills.
What Makes You Stand Out
Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
Experience with spacecraft, aircraft, or precision optical component analysis.
Engineering club or project experience (e.g., Formula, Baja, Cubesat).
Process improvement and task automation skills.
Programming skills in Python, Matlab, or VBA.
Experience with Femap, Hypermesh, or additional structural tools.
Dynamic environment analysis and test specification experience.
Presentation of analysis results in design reviews.
Hands‑on build and test experience (Instron, machine shop, vibration table).
Structural Thermo‑Optical Performance (STOP) analysis.
Application Deadline February 3, 2026 11:59 pm PST
EAR/ITAR Requirements Position requires access to export‑controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export‑controlled information without additional export licensing.
Benefits While Working At Planet
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution.
Generous paid time off plus holidays and company holidays.
16 weeks of paid parental leave.
Wellness program and Employee Assistance Program.
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 San Francisco salary range: $128,400 – $160,500 USD. Salary determined by experience, skills, and location. Eligible for discretionary short‑term and long‑term incentives.
EEO Statement Planet is an equal‑opportunity employer open to all backgrounds. We are committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, and other protected classifications.
Accommodations If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during hiring, please email accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter confidentially.
Privacy Policy By clicking “Apply Now” you acknowledge and consent to the collection, processing, and use of your personal information as described in Planet’s privacy notices.
AI in Our Interviewing Process Planet may use AI interviewing technologies. You will be notified and can opt out. Opting out will not affect your candidacy.
Location: San Francisco, CA – Full‑time, in‑office (5 days per week).
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior.
Employment Type: Full‑time.
Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology.
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at
Planet
Join Planet, a global space and data company, to help shape Earth observation systems.
About the Role The Mechanical Engineering team seeks a Structural Analyst to drive design of spacecraft subsystems across Planet’s fleet of Earth‑imaging satellites. You will champion structural analysis from subsystem to top‑level vehicle, collaborating with cross‑functional teams in an agile aerospace environment.
Impact You'll Own
Lead structural analysis on key spacecraft subsystems.
Document and present designs, trade studies, and breakout models to stakeholders.
Collaborate with design teams to meet stiffness, strength, and performance requirements.
Manage vendors for component performance.
Support ICD development and test planning for qualification campaigns.
Debug and root‑cause tests for on‑orbit anomalies.
Work hands‑on with flight and test hardware, including hardware‑in‑the‑loop and destructive testing.
Validate models through testing and model correlation.
What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
4+ years of structural analysis experience in aerospace, automotive, or consumer electronics.
Proficiency with classical hand calculations and finite‑element analysis (NASTRAN preferred).
High‑quality FEM generation and CAD model setup for static and modal analysis.
Strong understanding of strength of materials and common structural failure modes.
Self‑motivated, responsible, and effective in a dynamic environment.
Excellent verbal and visual communication skills.
What Makes You Stand Out
Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
Experience with spacecraft, aircraft, or precision optical component analysis.
Engineering club or project experience (e.g., Formula, Baja, Cubesat).
Process improvement and task automation skills.
Programming skills in Python, Matlab, or VBA.
Experience with Femap, Hypermesh, or additional structural tools.
Dynamic environment analysis and test specification experience.
Presentation of analysis results in design reviews.
Hands‑on build and test experience (Instron, machine shop, vibration table).
Structural Thermo‑Optical Performance (STOP) analysis.
Application Deadline February 3, 2026 11:59 pm PST
EAR/ITAR Requirements Position requires access to export‑controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export‑controlled information without additional export licensing.
Benefits While Working At Planet
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution.
Generous paid time off plus holidays and company holidays.
16 weeks of paid parental leave.
Wellness program and Employee Assistance Program.
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 San Francisco salary range: $128,400 – $160,500 USD. Salary determined by experience, skills, and location. Eligible for discretionary short‑term and long‑term incentives.
EEO Statement Planet is an equal‑opportunity employer open to all backgrounds. We are committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, and other protected classifications.
Accommodations If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during hiring, please email accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter confidentially.
Privacy Policy By clicking “Apply Now” you acknowledge and consent to the collection, processing, and use of your personal information as described in Planet’s privacy notices.
AI in Our Interviewing Process Planet may use AI interviewing technologies. You will be notified and can opt out. Opting out will not affect your candidacy.
Location: San Francisco, CA – Full‑time, in‑office (5 days per week).
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior.
Employment Type: Full‑time.
Job Function: Engineering and Information Technology.
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