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 Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s 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 Mechanical Engineering team at Planet is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of key spacecraft subsystems across Planet’s fleet of Earth-imaging satellites! Your mission will be to champion our spacecraft design efforts, from the subsystem level, all the way up to the top-level 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 Mechanical Engineering team within Planet’s Space Systems division, you will be a key contributor and stakeholder in Planet’s agile aerospace approach to spacecraft design, and will work closely with Planet Mechanical Engineering Team, Qualification Team, and Manufacturing team as well as the rest of Planet’s leading-edge spacecraft design teams. 

This is a full-time, temporary position working at our San Francisco HQ and is expected to last 12 months.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Own the mechanical design on key spacecraft subsystems across Planet’s satellite fleet
• Drive documentation and presentation of new designs throughout design phases and reviews
• Collaborate with structural analysis team to drive / perform analyses on key spacecraft subsystems to meet stiffness and strength requirements
• Drive part / assembly tolerancing using GD&T, and own release of drawing packages for part fabrication
• Drive part / assembly design and fabrication at key subsystem vendors
• Collaborate with manufacturing team to implement key spacecraft design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features
• Support ICD development and size and develop interfaces for your subsystems
• Support test planning and qualification campaigns
• Support debugging and root-causing on-orbit anomalies and production 
• Be hands on with flight and test hardware

What You Bring:

• 4+ years experience owning products from requirements, thru conceptual design, and into test and manufacturing
• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and Product Lifecycle Management software. 
• Proficiency using GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 to generate good quality, low cost parts
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree
• Experience with design and fabrication of composites and metal components
• Hands-on experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing
• Ability to be self-motivated and responsible while working in a dynamic environment
• Outstanding verbal and visual communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree
• 3+ years of experience designing spacecraft, aircraft, or optical components
• Experience designing products for low or mid volume serial production and have a good understanding of the tradeoffs between manufacturing methods for these volumes
• Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA
• Experience in optics / opto-mechanical hardware,  mechanisms, structures, or electronics/RF packaging
• Machine shop experience fabricating or modifying parts (CNC Mill/Router, Mill, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D printer)
• Proficiency in Python, Matlab, and/or Visual Basic (VBA)

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s 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:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Health Savings Account(HSA) with a company contribution
• Flexible Time Off in addition to holidays and company global days off 
• Generous Parental Leave
• Remote friendly work environment 
• Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity Options
• Commuter Benefits
• Volunteering Benefits

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. 

We’re 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. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate  north star of Belonging, dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work with diversity, equity and inclusion.  If this job intrigues you, but you’re 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 don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s 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 you’re 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 accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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