Senior Optical Engineer

Planet • San Francisco, CA

138d • $144,500 - $180,600

About The Position

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 position is required to be on-site in our San Francisco HQ full time 5 days a week.

Requirements

• 6-8 years of total relevant experience, such as airborne or space-based imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes.
• 3+ 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
• Hands-on, can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
• First hand 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 Product Implementation (NPI)
• Practical experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systems
• Educational background in Optical Engineering or equivalent experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience with visible, multispectral or hyperspectral imaging systems
• Experience with space flight program lifecycle stages including design, assembly, integration and test, or flight operations of imaging or camera hardware
• Experience with collecting large amounts of data, data storage and data manipulation
• Experience collaborating in a technical manner across organizational and functional boundaries to deliver capability to users
• MS/PhD in EE, CS, AA or relevant scientific/engineering field

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees