Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Planet•San Francisco, CA

1d•$162,600 - $203,200•Hybrid

About The Position

We are currently seeking a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support Planet’s development and deployment of our next generation satellite platforms. As a spacecraft technical lead, you will guide an agile manufacturing and test team through verification and validation (V&V), as well as integration, assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will work directly with our Manufacturing, Test, and Qualification teams as well as cross-functional engineering design teams to ensure all requirements and any non-conformances are dispositioned. This position requires a solid technical baseline and a systems-level mindset. You will need the technical credibility to navigate design discussions, facilitate risk-based trade-offs, and represent manufacturing and testability requirements early in the product lifecycle. Your primary objective will be to ensure Planet’s spacecraft transition smoothly from design to production while maintaining high standards for quality, schedule, and mission reliability. This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco HQ office 3 days per week.

Requirements

6+ years of relevant work experience in the design and development of satellite systems
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar
Experience with vehicle testing, including both functional and environmental testing
Familiarity with requirements formulation as well as validation and verification best practices
Familiarity with space manufacturing processes, test strategies, and V&V workflows
Experience with avionics integration, including familiarity with first order electronics debugging
A solid technical baseline with a "roll-up-your-sleeves" mentality, enabling you to engage deeply with complex systems and translate technical engineering constraints into real-time decisions in the manufacturing process
Exceptional written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to stay highly organized, manage schedule, and drive consensus across diverse, high-pressure environments

Nice To Haves

6+ years of experience working in the satellite industry, including design/analysis, AI&T and/or V&V
Experience managing spacecraft hardware and software build and development cycles
Deep technical fluency in at least one spacecraft specialization (e.g., structures, avionics, thermal design, software) allowing you to engage credibly with engineers on complex trade-offs
Familiar with industry standards including NASA GEVS and SMC-S-16 for small satellites (50-200 kg)
Remote Sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements related to Satellite and Rideshare Launch Vehicles

Responsibilities

Develop and execute plans for Verification and Validation of the satellite system, including environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing
Lead triage of technical issues encountered during AI&T
Track requirements and non-conformances surfaced during AI&T and assess cross-functional risks as well as impacts to customer-specific deliverables
Lead continuous improvement of AI&T process to help transition Planet’s R&D development to scaled manufacturing programs of record
Complete feed-back loop to multiple design teams, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering for design feedback and continuous iteration