Spacecraft Systems 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:
We are currently seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineer to drive the design, build, and operation of our next generation of earth imaging satellites. As a spacecraft technical lead, you will guide an agile engineering team through requirements formulation, design, verification and validation (V&V), as well as integration, assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will also interface with our Product team to ensure that our satellites meet our customer’s needs, with our Manufacturing leads to transition our satellites to mass production, and our Mission Operations leads to ensure the proper on-orbit operation of our future fleets.
Impact You’ll Own:
- Drive the design of next generation satellites, including subsystem interfaces, system level budgets, and multidisciplinary and multi-organizational design trades
- Lead the technical coordination of multiple teams, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering teams
- Develop and execute plans for validation and verification of the satellite system, including both environmental and functional testing
- Participate in the assembly, integration and testing of R&D prototype satellite systems, including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned
- Collaborate with our mission operations as well as data product teams to ensure that the satellite system meets the needs of our customers
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar
- 3+ years of experience in the design and development of satellite systems
- Understanding of one or multiple satellite subsystems, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, or Electrical
- Familiarity with requirement formulation, validation, and verification best practices
- Experience with vehicle testing, including both functional and environmental testing
- Experience collaborating with technical teams
- Excellent communication skills
- Excited by working in an agile, fast-paced environment, even in times of uncertainty and ambiguity
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar.
- 5+ years of experience working in the satellite industry, including design/analysis, AI&T and/or V&V.
- Experience using software such as Python, C++, and/or Matlab
- Experience with electrical component design, system level integration of electronic components, or system level testing (internship and project team experience is applicable)
- Knowledge of industry standards for small satellites (50-200 kg).
- Solid understanding of the product development lifecycle process, including analysis and design, development tools and technologies, release and version control, contemporary testing methodologies and deployment management.
Benefits While Working at Planet:
- Comprehensive Health Plan
- Wellness program and onsite massages in specific offices
- Flexible Time Off
- Recognition Programs
- Commuter Benefits
- Learning and Tuition Reimbursement
- Parental Leave
- Offsites and Happy Hours
- Volunteering Benefits
Compensation:
The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $114,100 - $142,600. 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.
This position requires access to export controlled technology, and as such, employment will be contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access EAR and/or ITAR controlled technology pursuant to an export license approved by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, if required.
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.
Privacy Policy: By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.
Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.
By
Planet
Do you want to be a part of a mission-driven agile aerospace company? Here at Planet, we believe in using space to help life on earth. We design, build, and operate the world's largest constellation of earth-imaging satellites that deliver an un...
7 jobs
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