Lab Manager, R&D

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 world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

At Planet Labs, we move fast to solve hard problems. We are looking for an R&D Lab Manager to lead our development workspace located directly adjacent to our satellite production facility. In this role, you will be the "boss of the physical space," helping our design team with their critical validation work. You will split your time between maintaining a world-class, organized lab environment and providing precision solder rework for non-flight hardware.

You are someone who takes immense pride in a clean, ESD-safe workbench and thrives on the autonomy of building a space that enables ~40 engineers (EE, FPGA,RF, MW, Firmware, Mechanical, GNC, and Thermal) to do their best work.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco Office 5 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

* Own the lab's physical space by implementing and maintaining clean, ESD-safe work spaces and executing/improving organization SOPs.

* Perform precision SMT soldering including hot air/hot plate rework, inspecting solder joints for workmanship and handling the assembly and disassembly of PCBA subsystems.

* Provide direct engineering test support by setting up boards and fixtures, collecting data, and troubleshooting prototypes alongside the EE team.

* Maintain the equipment list, schedule routine calibrations, and coordinate with facilities for updated lab infrastructure such as power, water, and air connections.

* Manage inventory and consumables supply, interface with external vendors, handle kitting, and track order progress from shipment to delivery.

* Build rapid-prototype fixtures using 3D printers and laser cutters, and handle harness rework, wire crimping, and cable routing according to drawings.

* Use software infrastructure for flashing and provisioning electrical subsystems, utilizing basic Linux competence to interact with and control hardware

What You Bring:

* 6+ years of relevant experience

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a scientific field

* Deep experience in precision SMT soldering and hot air rework, with the ability to interpret electrical schematics and drawings fluently.

* Proficiency with basic test instrumentation, including multimeters, bench power supplies, and oscilloscopes.

* Hands-on experience in a machine shop environment, including the use of 3D printers and laser cutters for rapid prototyping.

* A solid background in inventory management, vendor coordination, and maintaining high-quality documentation and supply chains.

* A commitment to high workmanship standards and the ability to manage the maintenance of deployed setups and systems.

* Interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize resources among competing needs.

What Makes You Stand Out:

* A track record of taking extreme autonomy and initiative to improve physical work spaces without needing a roadmap.

* Basic competence in Linux for hardware interaction and familiarity with Altium and Solidworks for reviewing designs

* Experience managing labs or technical spaces through periods of rapid growth, successfully scaling inventory systems and infrastructure to meet team demands.

* IPC-J-STD-001 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) or equivalent certification

Final date to receive applications:

June 4, 2026 at 11:59p PT

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate's ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

* Comprehensive Medical,…