Senior Camera Hardware 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: Planet seeks a Senior Camera Hardware Engineer to serve as the lead electrical architect for our satellite imaging payloads within the Electrical Engineering team. This role encompasses the complete electrical life cycle of our camera systems, including recommending the optimal image sensor, designing ultra-low-noise power rails, and guaranteeing high-speed data integrity from the sensor to the FPGA. The engineer will collaborate closely with Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal and Optical engineers to optimize the entire optical payload (camera and telescope) to meet our mission requirements. This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week. Impact You'll Own: Design and own the high-speed PCBA architectures for next-generation camera payloads, including sensor headboards and data acquisition systems. Collaborate with Payload Systems Engineers to define the electrical specification and selection of CMOS image sensors, focusing on quantum efficiency, full-well capacity, and minimizing temporal/spatial noise. Architect low-noise power delivery networks (PDN) and high-speed differential signaling (LVDS/MIPI) to ensure pristine image data capture. Partner with Firmware/FPGA teams to optimize the Image Signal Processing pipeline, implementing hardware-level calibration for dark current and defective pixels. Drive the electrical requirements for precision sensor alignment, including the design of flexible interconnects and thermal monitoring circuits that maintain focus across orbital temperature swings. What You Bring: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field. 10+ years of experience in hardware design, with a significant focus on digital/analog imaging systems and camera hardware. Expertise in CMOS sensor operation, including the ability to model and design practical solutions to minimize electronic noise. Hands-on experience with high-end oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and optical test equipment (monochromators, integrating spheres). Ability to navigate the trade-offs between power consumption, thermal dissipation, and image SNR. What Makes You Stand Out:  Experience with Earth observation payload specifications and remote sensing mission requirements. Experience designing electronics for the LEO environment, including knowledge of radiation mitigation and vacuum-compatible design. Professional experience with FPGA-based signal processing and high-speed data serialization. Deep experience in precision analog design specifically for sensor biasing and high-resolution ADC interfacing. Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 at 11:59p 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-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. San Francisco Salary Range $205,800 — $257,200 USD San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 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