About this role
To ensure imaging satellites can operate reliably in the harsh environment of space, Planet needs an Electrical Engineer to design, optimize, and validate the critical electrical, data, and embedded systems that act as the brains of the spacecraft. The engineering team blends aerospace rigor with the speed and scale of mass production, controlling every component from hardware design to software engineering.
In this capacity, the person selected will take end-to-end ownership of analog, power, and mixed-signal subsystems. Responsibilities range from executing schematic capture and power integrity simulations to validating designs during bring-up and collaborating with manufacturing teams. An ideal candidate brings hands-on hardware experience, solid decision-making capabilities, and a genuine interest in seeing their personal design work launch into orbit.
What you will do
- Lead the electrical design of analog, power, and mixed-signal subsystems from initial requirements through architecture and detailed design.
- Execute schematic capture alongside power and signal integrity simulations while guiding and reviewing layout designs.
- Design harnesses by handling component selection, signal definition, and fabrication drawings in coordination with mechanical engineering.
- Validate and debug hardware designs during bring-up while supporting integration testing.
- Develop power supply designs, conduct power integrity checks, and ensure design for electromagnetic compatibility.
- Deliver analog and mixed-signal designs featuring interfaces to thermal systems, sensors, and actuators.
- Collaborate directly with manufacturing and qualification teams to develop tests at satellite factories.
What you need
- Possess at least 2 years of experience in taking hardware designs from schematics all the way to manufacturing.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrate hands-on experience with power converter, analog, and mixed-signal printed circuit board design.
- Show proficiency using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters.
- Exhibit proficient solder rework skills and comfort working with embedded systems and peripheral interfaces like I2C, SPI, USB, CAN, and Ethernet.
- Demonstrate strong decision-making capability regarding design choices and practical implementation.
Nice to have
- Experience with Altium tools for PCB design
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python
Benefits
- 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
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote work and office policy for this role?
This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from the San Francisco office 3 days per week. The position will also require up to 25% travel to the Berlin office.
What is the salary range for this position?
The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $114,200 to $142,700 USD. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives like bonus and equity.
What tools and technologies are used in this role?
Candidates should be comfortable with embedded systems and peripheral interfaces such as I2C, SPI, USB, CAN, and Ethernet. Experience with Altium tools for PCB design and knowledge of scripting languages like Python make candidates stand out.