Spacecraft Qualification Engineer

Planet•San Francisco, CA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

At Planet, we launch spacecrafts early and often. From technology demonstrators to operational constellations, exceptional engineers are needed to design, manufacture, test and launch spacecrafts. This role offers a unique opportunity for an engineer to get involved from A to Z in projects pertaining to a wide range of engineering fields, with some design, analysis, hands-on, and operations opportunities. As a Spacecraft Qualification engineer, you will join a small team of dedicated engineers playing a key role in the advent of several platforms. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, curious and creative, that has a technical understanding of space systems and wants to be involved with hardware and problems solving. To be successful in this role, the candidate should enjoy hands-on work, thrive in ambiguity, and be able to lead their own projects into completion. Coming from a fast paced, aerospace environment, having completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key teams, will be a plus. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco office 5 days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering or Electro-Mechanics/Robotics Engineering.
4+ years of relevant work experience.
Experience in environmental test qualification, running and managing test projects with 3+ months of Thermal Vacuum testing experience.
Proficiency defining test strategies, test plans, test procedures, as well as general manufacturing workflows.
Knowledge of heat transfer principles and thermal management technology. Data analysis skills for evaluating system performance and identifying anomalies.
Mechanical systems engineering intuition and critical thinking.
Proficiency in using Solidworks CAD & FEA (simulation) or equivalent.
Hands-on experience (portfolio submission encouraged).
Ability to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines.
Ability to be self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to develop creative solutions in a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment. Must be a team player able to work in a collaborative team environment.
Occasional travel should be expected as part of testing and integration operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in vibration and shock testing. Experience working with test equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes.
Interest in prototyping, rapid iteration and agile processes. Experience in working in a machine shop.
Experience building and working with DAQs for test article command/control and data gathering; well-versed with the instrumentation, usage, and data consumption from accelerometers, load cells and other DAQ sensors.
Interest in automation. Familiarity with Raspberry Pis, Node Red, or Python.

Responsibilities

Develop test plans:
Understand needs and requirements for various satellites components and systems.
Author and maintain detailed test plans, procedures and support tools. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Design and validate test fixtures and Ground Support Equipment (GSE):
Use 3D CAD software to design test fixtures and GSE equipment. Run structural FEA. Populate 2D drawings.
Supervise and assist with procurement, machining, assembly and proofloading operations.
Conduct testing:
Develop, coordinate, and lead the execution of environmental test campaigns, especially for TVAC (Thermal Vacuum) and thermal testing.
Perform hands-on operations like GSE and instrumentation setup, inspections, etc.
Operate and understand a variety of computer-automated and manual test equipment, including thermal and TVAC chambers, pumps, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, etc.
Take ownership of equipment and processes to identify failures, anomalies, root causes, and drive issues to resolution, during and after the test.
Drive measurement and test data analysis:
Configure data acquisition software and hardware.
Analyze and review data using numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results and ensure that the hardware operates as expected. Identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
Implement continuous improvement and process development:
Proactively improve current test set ups, stations and procedures to increase the efficiency and reliability of testing operations.
Create, develop and test innovative mechanical solutions and testing methods.
Document and develop communication:
Keep detailed notes of tests, specimens and anomalies. Report test results, providing recommendations for design modifications or improvements.
Develop close communication and working relationships with Engineering and Manufacturing teams. Participate in technical reviews, program status meetings, etc.