Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer
About The Position
We are currently seeking a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to lead system development, verification, and test of Planet’s next-generation satellite platforms, covering multiple domains including earth observation and compute in space. As a spacecraft technical lead, you will guide an agile engineering team through requirements formulation, design, verification and validation (V&V), as well as integration, assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will also interface with our Product team to ensure that our satellites meet our customer’s needs, with our Manufacturing leads to transition our satellites to mass production, and our Mission Operations leads to ensure the proper on-orbit operation of our future fleets. This is a full-time, hybrid position which is required to work in our San Francisco HQ a minimum of 3 days per week.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar
- 6+ years of experience in the design and development of satellite systems
- Understanding of one or multiple satellite subsystems, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, or Electrical
- Familiarity with requirements formulation, validation, and verification best practices
- Experience with vehicle testing, including both functional and environmental testing
- Experience collaborating with technical teams
- Excellent communication skills for exchanges with vendors, contractors, and customer
- Excited by working in an agile, dynamic environment, even in times of uncertainty and ambiguity
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar
- 7+ years of experience working in the satellite industry, including design/analysis, AI&T and/or V&V
- Familiar with industry standards for small satellites (50-200 kg)
- Remote Sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
- Knowledge of design for space environment best practice
- Solid understanding of the product development lifecycle process, including analysis and design, development tools and technologies, release and version control, contemporary testing methodologies and deployment management
Responsibilities
- Drive the development and growth of Planet’s next-generation R&D satellites and subsystems
- Lead definition of subsystem interfaces, system level budgets, and multidisciplinary and multi-organizational design trades
- Lead the technical coordination of multiple teams, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering teams
- Develop and execute plans for validation and verification of the satellite system, including both environmental and functional testing
- Participate in the assembly, integration and testing of satellite systems, including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned
- Collaborate with our mission operations as well as data product teams to ensure that the satellite system meets the needs of our customers
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
