About the role

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 is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Optical Engineer to support the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads. This role involves collaborating across teams to develop, troubleshoot, and refine optical instruments, including telescopes and cameras, for Earth observation missions. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of hardware, software, and product engineering and enjoys hands-on work with cutting-edge imaging and optical systems.

The team is responsible for electro-optical (EO) design and development while assembling, integrating and testing (AI&T) all EO payload hardware. The role will appeal to candidates that enjoy getting hands-on with camera, sensor, and telescope AI&T while interfacing with cross-functional engineering, and operations.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco office 5 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

Coordinating and executing key optical manufacturing activities, such as optical metrology and alignment activities for telescope and sensor integration and troubleshooting
Understanding and executing warm and cold alignment and performance testing of imaging spectrometers, telescopes, and end-to-end instruments
Writing test plans and performing analysis of measured data for alignment and calibration of imaging systems
Developing and expanding upon test software and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) for the characterization and automation of alignment and performance testing
Coordinating and performing optomechanical manufacturing activities, such as bonding and fixturing
Organize and participate in integration & test activities in cleanroom environments
Leading the continued design, manufacturing, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads
Collaborating with external partners to transfer advanced imaging expertise into Planet to establish a vibrant and financially sustainable platform
Providing technical oversight of external vendors

What You Bring:

6+ years of total relevant experience, such as airborne or space-based imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes, of which:
- 2+ years relevant experience in assembly, integration, alignment, and test of optical instruments, telescopes, and/or optics in fields such as defense, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, or related
Experience leveraging scientific tools based in Zemax, MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++ to advance design maturity and analyze system performance
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively
Experience working with external vendors, suppliers, and integrators
Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries
Experience in driving the definition and execution of Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Experience in manufacturing and production environments, including New Pr

Skills & Tags

python go aws ai data product design

Aplyr's read

Planet Labs is a leader in Earth imaging, leveraging satellite technology for diverse sectors like agriculture and urban planning, attracting talent in engineering and management.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Planet Labs operates one of the largest satellite fleets, providing high-resolution Earth imagery.
•The company supports diverse applications, from agriculture to urban planning, fostering innovation.
•Recent hiring trends indicate growth in engineering and customer success roles across global offices.

What to watch

•The competitive Earth imaging market poses challenges for differentiation and market share.
•High operational costs in satellite management could impact financial sustainability.
•Dependence on external data partnerships may limit control over service offerings.

Why Planet Labs

•Planet Labs' daily global imagery offers unmatched frequency and coverage.
•The company emphasizes sustainability by providing data for environmental monitoring.
•Its diverse satellite fleet enables tailored solutions for specific industry needs.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Planet Labs

Planet Labs

planet.com

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Planet Labs is a private Earth imaging company that operates a fleet of satellites to capture high-resolution images of the Earth, providing data for various applications including agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.