Planet · 14 hours ago
Spacecraft Qualification Engineer
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$128K/yr - $160K/yr
4+ years expPlanet is a company that designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. They are seeking a Spacecraft Qualification Engineer to develop test plans, design test fixtures, conduct testing, and drive data analysis to ensure satellite components meet industry standards.
AerospaceAnalyticsBig DataGeospatialRemote SensingSoftware
Responsibilities
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 proofloading 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 communication and working relationships with Engineering and Manufacturing teams. Participate in technical reviews, program status meetings, etc
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
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 LinkedIn Learning
Equity
Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
Volunteering Paid Time Off
Company
Planet
Planet is an aerospace and data analytics company that builds small satellites and delivers information about the changing planet.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Planet has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2022 (5)
2021 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.03BKey Investors
BlackRockBloombergNEFPrelude Ventures
2025-09-09Post Ipo Debt· $460M
2021-12-08Post Ipo Equity· $200M
2021-12-08IPO
Leadership Team
Will Marshall
Co-Founder & CEO
Robbie Schingler
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer
Recent News
2025-12-12
2025-12-11
Company data provided by crunchbase