Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Join Planet. The Opto-Mechanical Engineer role drives payload design for our Earth-imaging satellites.

Planet is a global space and data company with a mission to deliver unprecedented Earth observations.

• Own the opto-mechanical manufacturing process of optical payloads on Planet’s next-generation satellites
• Design and build the manufacturing line for mid-volume production of optical payloads, making data-driven decisions to ensure efficient assembly and test processes
• Collaborate cross-functional teams (structural, thermal, optical engineers) to drive analysis, ensuring payloads meet stiffness, strength, thermal, and launch survivability, maintaining on-orbit performance (STOP)
• Drive part and assembly design, manage fabrication with key vendors, perform failure analysis, and execute tolerance stackup and GD&T analyses for precision and reliability
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation
• Lead technical presentations and reviews across all design review gates
• Support test planning and qualification test campaigns
• Be hands‑on with flight and test hardware

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 4+ years experience owning development of opto‑mechanical products from requirements through conceptual design, testing, and manufacturing
• Experience designing for high‑reliability space environments (launch survivability, vacuum, on‑orbit thermal conditions – STOP)
• Experience in design and fabrication of optical assemblies, incorporating glass, carbon‑fiber, metals, ceramics, epoxies, mechanisms, and electrical elements
• Practical engagement with hardware from prototyping to production and testing phases
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Experience driving projects to completion in a dynamic environment
• Good verbal and visual communication skills

• Expertise in optics / opto‑mechanical manufacturing, metrology, alignment, and calibration
• Ability to build out the manufacturing line for precision optical systems
• Experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing, telescope assembly, and optical performance testing
• Experience applying systems engineering principles to optimize optical payload integration, focusing on requirements management, trade‑off analysis, and balancing system‑level constraints (cost, schedule, performance)
• Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA
• Proficiency in Solid Works, Zemax, Matlab, Visual Basic, Python, and/or C/C++

March 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm PT

This position requires access to export‑controlled information. Employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent on the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export‑controlled information without additional export licensing required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

• 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 Linked In Learning
• Equity
• Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
• Volunteering Paid Time Off

San Francisco salary range: $128,400 – $160,500 USD. The role may also be eligible for discretionary short‑term and long‑term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job‑related experience, skills, and location.

Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs. Planet is an equal‑opportunity employer and invites people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal‑opportunity employer and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Know Your Rights.

Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to  or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.