Mechanical Ground Equipment Engineer

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and a data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world's toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people‑centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

At Planet, we launch spacecraft early and often. From technology demonstrators to operational constellations, exceptional engineers are needed to design, manufacture, test and launch spacecraft.

As a Mechanical GSE engineer, you will join a small team of dedicated engineers playing a key role in the advent of several platforms. Focused on the upbringing of our payloads and buses, you will work closely with our qualification engineers and our electro‑optics engineers in developing their Ground Support Equipment, from design and analysis to assembly and test. You will also have opportunities to lead derisk activities related to environmental and mechanical stress.

The ideal candidate has a technical understanding of mechanical and optical basic principles applied to aerospace, is curious and creative 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.

Design and validate test fixtures and Ground Support Equipment (GSE):

• Understand needs and requirements for satellite sub‑systems, especially optical payloads.
• Create, develop and test innovative mechanical solutions and testing methods.
• Use 3D CAD software to model test fixtures and GSE equipment. Run structural FEA. Populate 2D drawings GD&T compliant.
• Supervise and assist with procurement, machining, assembly and proof‑loading operations.
• Perform hands‑on operations like GSE and instrumentation setup, etc.

Implement continuous improvement and process development:

• Own GSE design through its lifetime to support failures identification, anomalies, root causes investigations, and drive issues to resolution.
• Assist in analyzing and reviewing 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.

Document and develop communication:

• Keep detailed notes of tests, specimens and anomalies. Report test results, providing recommendations for design modifications or improvements.
• Produce design documentation to communicate design intent, usability, operations, and maintenance of new products to internal customers.

• Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Opto‑mechanics Engineering or Electro‑Mechanics/Robotics Engineering.
• 4+ years of relevant work experience.
• Creation of successful Ground Support Equipment (GSE) or related structural designs.
• Understanding of mechanical engineering first principles and practical application of theoretical methods.
• Ability to solve complex problems related to modeling, analysis, and…