Job Description
The Mechanical GSE Engineer at Planet is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supporting ground support equipment and mechanical solutions for satellite payloads and buses, playing a key role in spacecraft launch and qualification activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, analyze, and develop Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and test fixtures for satellite payloads and buses.
- Create and test mechanical solutions and testing methods using 3D CAD software and perform structural FEA.
- Supervise procurement, machining, assembly, and testing operations of GSE and related hardware.
- Perform hands-on setup, testing, and troubleshooting of GSE and instrumentation during hardware validation.
- Own and maintain GSE design throughout its lifecycle, including failure analysis and issue resolution.
- Analyze test data to interpret hardware performance, identify anomalies, and recommend design improvements.
- Document test procedures, results, and design modifications to communicate with internal teams.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Opto-mechanics Engineering, Electro-Mechanics, or Robotics Engineering.
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in aerospace or related fields.
- 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 verification.
- Familiarity with best practices for designing robust mechanical solutions and designing for manufacturing using Solidworks CAD or equivalent software.
- Proficiency in creating engineering drawings and GD T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
- Proficiency in structural static stress analysis for multi-body systems, including modal analysis.
- Familiarity with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software such as Solidworks Simulation, Ansys, or equivalent.
- Understanding of material properties, force definitions, boundary conditions, mesh analysis, and FEA verification techniques.
- Data analysis skills for evaluating system performance and identifying anomalies.
- Proficiency in developing test procedures and general manufacturing workflows.
- Ability to be hands-on, bringing projects all the way to assembly and test, including performing hands-on operations like GSE and instrumentation setup.
- Experience in designing tooling, jigs, fixtures, and kinematic mounts for optical assemblies (preferred but not mandatory).
- Experience in environmental test qualification and derisk activities involving equipment such as Instron, vibration shakers, thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, shock machines, etc. (preferred but not mandatory).
- Ability to understand and interpret needs and requirements for satellite sub-systems, especially optical payloads.
- Occasional travel should be expected as part of testing and integration operations.
- Access to export-controlled information without requiring additional export licensing, as per EAR requirements.
Benefits & Perks
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)
Discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity)
Salary range: 128,400 - 160,500 USD (based on experience, skills, and location)
Ready to Apply?
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