Opto-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 Electro-Optical Systems team at Planet is seeking an Opto-Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of payloads in Planet’s fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Your mission will be to champion our payload design efforts, with a specific focus on opto-mechanical design and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned opto-mechanical designer who has led optical system engineering efforts across multiple programs from conceptual design through flight. As a member of the Electro-Optical Systems 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 hand-in-glove with optical engineering, structural analysis, thermal engineering,  and reliability & qualification, as well as the rest of Planet’s leading-edge spacecraft design and manufacturing teams.  This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week. Impact You'll Own: Own the opto-mechanical manufacturing process of optical payloads on Planet’s next-generation satellites Design the manufacturing line for mid-volume production of optical payloads. Make first principle based, data-driven decisions throughout the design process to ensure efficient assembly and test processes Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as structural, thermal analysts and optical engineer groups to drive and perform analyses to ensure payloads meet stiffness, strength, thermal, and launch survivability requirements, as well as maintain on-orbit performance through STOP (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance) Drive part and assembly design, manage fabrication with key vendors, perform failure analysis, and execute tolerance stackup and GD&T analyses to ensure precision and reliability Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation  Lead technical presentations and reviews across all design review gates Support test planning and qualification test campaigns Be hands-on with flight and test hardware What You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. 4+ years experience owning the development of opto-mechanical products from requirements through conceptual design, testing and manufacturing Experience designing for high-reliability space environments including launch survivability, vacuum conditions, on-orbit performance through thermal conditions (STOP) Experience in the design and fabrication of optical assemblies, incorporating components made from glass, carbon fiber, metals, ceramics, epoxies, as well as mechanisms and electrical elements Practical and direct engagement with hardware, from prototyping to production and testing phases Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Experience working in a dynamic environment while driving projects to completion Good verbal and visual communication skills What Makes You Stand Out: Expertise in optics / opto-mechanical manufacturing, metrology, alignment and calibration Ability to build out the manufacturing line for precision optical systems Experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing, telescope assembly, and optical performance testing Experience applying systems engineering principles to optimize optical payload integration, focusing on requirements management, trade-off analysis, and balancing system-level constraints such as cost, schedule, and performance Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA Proficiency in SolidWorks, Zemax, Matlab, Visual Basic, Python and/or C/C++ Application Deadline: July 1, 2026 at 11:59pm PT 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: These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy. 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 Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 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: The US base salary range for this full-tim