Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Planet•San Francisco, CA

61d•Onsite

About The Position

The New Product Introduction (NPI) Team is responsible for developing and scaling the assembly, integration, and test operations for our next generation of satellites. This includes establishing high-precision manufacturing processes for complex optical telescope payloads. As a critical member of the NPI team, the Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer will be the technical leader responsible for translating the optical telescope design from the development phase to a sustainable, high-yield production environment. You will collaborate closely with design engineers, test engineers, and other cross-functional teams to establish the overall optical manufacturing processes and work instructions, from component assembly through final spacecraft integration. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work in building and testing complex, high-precision optical products and take a methodical approach to pioneering and scaling manufacturing operations. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
6+ years of total relevant experience, of which 3+ years directly in the assembly, integration, alignment, and test of complex optical instruments, telescopes, or space-based imaging payloads
Hands-on experience with complex optomechanical assembly, alignment, integration, and bonding in a cleanroom environment
Experience leveraging technical software for design and analysis (e.g., Zemax, MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++)
Expertise in reading technical drawings and using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software to develop tooling and fixtures
Experience defining and implementing manufacturing processes in a production environment, including New Product Introduction (NPI)
Solid interpersonal skills and a collaborative, hands-on attitude for effectively working with cross-functional teams
Excellent attention to detail and technical writing skills for creating detailed and accurate procedures, test plans, and data summaries

Nice To Haves

Experience with visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral imaging systems
Experience implementing successful continuous improvement methodologies
Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
Experience across the space flight program lifecycle (design through flight operations)
Additional education or certifications in a relevant engineering or scientific field

Responsibilities

Support the Assembly, Integration, and Test of optical telescope payloads
Develop/document optical telescope assembly procedures and work instructions including precise metrology, warm and cold alignment, and performance testing of telescopes and imaging systems
Design, develop, and implement mechanical and electrical tooling, fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for optical telescope assembly and test in a cleanroom
Perform analysis of measured data for alignment, calibration, and characterization of imaging systems, and monitor production metrics
Drive timely resolution of non-conformances (NCRs), identify root causes, and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement processes
Provide critical Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback to the optical and mechanical design teams
Provide technical oversight for external vendors and suppliers involved in optical component manufacturing and assembly
Participate in the training of optical production technicians to transition the manufacturing line from R&D to production
Recommend facilities and capital equipment improvements to scale manufacturing processes