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. Our "Agile Aerospace" approach allows us to iterate quickly, taking hardware from the lab to orbit at an unprecedented pace. We are a mission-driven team of experts across hardware, software, and data, working together to solve the world's toughest obstacles.

About the Role: The Electro-Optical Systems team is looking for a seasoned Opto-Mechanical Engineer to drive the design and manufacturing of our next-generation Earth-imaging payloads. You will lead the transition from conceptual optical designs to flight-ready hardware, working hand-in-glove with our optical, structural, and thermal experts. This is a high-impact, hands-on role based in our San Francisco HQ.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Lead Payload Manufacturing: Own the end-to-end mechanical design and assembly process for high-resolution satellite telescopes.
• Bridge Design & Production: Build out the manufacturing lines for mid-volume production, ensuring precision and repeatability.
• Environmental Survival: Perform STOP and GD&T analyses to ensure optical performance through launch vibrations and extreme space temperatures.
• Hardware Integration: Be hands-on with flight hardware, supporting test campaigns and lab-based alignment.

What You Bring:

• 4+ years experience in opto-mechanical product development, from requirements through to flight.
• Space-Ready Expertise: Proven track record designing for launch survivability, vacuum, and thermal stability.
• Precision Toolkit: Deep experience in optical assembly, material selection (glass, ceramics, composites), and flexure design.
• Agile Mindset: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, making data-driven decisions to keep projects moving.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Expertise in precision metrology, telescope alignment, and optical calibration.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, Zemax, and/or Python.
• Experience applying systems engineering to balance cost, schedule, and performance.