Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer
About this role
Planet needs a technical leader to bridge the gap between satellite design and scaled manufacturing as the company develops its next-generation imaging constellation. The incoming specialist will guide agile manufacturing and test teams through verification, validation, integration, assembly, and testing phases to ensure new hardware transitions smoothly from R&D to production.
Working alongside cross-functional groups spanning mechanical, thermal, propulsion, and electrical engineering, the person in this role will triage technical anomalies, manage non-conformances, and facilitate risk-based trade-offs. An ideal candidate brings a strong technical baseline in aerospace hardware alongside practical experience navigating complex manufacturing workflows and schedule constraints.
What you will do
- Develop and execute comprehensive plans for functional, environmental, and end-to-end verification and validation of satellite systems.
- Lead the triage of technical issues and anomalies encountered during assembly, integration, and testing phases.
- Track requirements and non-conformances while assessing cross-functional risks and impacts to customer deliverables.
- Drive continuous improvement in assembly and testing processes to help scale development into production programs.
- Complete feedback loops to mechanical, thermal, GNC, propulsion, electrical, and manufacturing engineering teams for ongoing design iteration.
What you need
- Bring at least six years of relevant work experience in the design and development of satellite systems.
- Hold a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrate hands-on experience with vehicle testing, covering both functional and environmental testing methodologies.
- Show familiarity with requirements formulation, validation, and verification best practices.
- Possess knowledge of space manufacturing processes, test strategies, and avionics integration including first-order electronics debugging.
- Maintain a hands-on mentality to engage deeply with complex systems and translate constraints into real-time manufacturing decisions.
Nice to have
- 6+ years of experience working in the satellite industry across design, analysis, AI&T, and V&V
- Experience managing spacecraft hardware and software build and development cycles
- Deep technical fluency in at least one spacecraft specialization such as structures, avionics, thermal design, or software
- Familiarity with industry standards like NASA GEVS and SMC-S-16 for small satellites
- Remote sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
Benefits
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
- Health Savings Account with a company contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off plus holidays and company-wide days off
- 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Home Office, Phone, and Internet Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote work policy for this role?
This is a full-time, hybrid position that requires working from the San Francisco headquarters office three days per week.
What is the salary range for this position?
The typical US hiring base salary range for this San Francisco-based position is $162,600 to $203,200 USD. The role might also be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives such as bonuses and equity.
What teams will I collaborate with daily?
You will work directly with manufacturing, test, and qualification teams alongside cross-functional engineering design teams including mechanical, thermal, GNC, propulsion, and electrical groups.
Are there any specific compliance requirements for applicants?
Yes, employment is contingent upon the candidate's ability to access export-controlled information without requiring additional licensing from the Bureau of Industry and Security or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.