Spacecraft Qualification Engineer

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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 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 joined from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

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.

• 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.

• 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 proof‑loading operations.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Keep detailed notes of tests, specimens and anomalies. Report test results, providing recommendations for design modifications or improvements.
• Develop close…