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Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Planet
San Francisco, California
Full Time
Posted December 18, 2025
$128k - $161k
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Application opens on company website

Job Description

The Opto-Mechanical Engineer will lead the design, development, and manufacturing of optical payloads for Planet's Earth-imaging satellites, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high-reliability performance in space environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop opto-mechanical payloads for Earth-imaging satellites
  • Manage the manufacturing process of optical payloads and design production lines
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to analyze and ensure payload performance, strength, thermal stability, and launch survivability
  • Drive part and assembly design, manage fabrication with vendors, and perform failure analysis and tolerance analyses
  • Create and maintain detailed design documentation and lead technical reviews
  • Support test planning and qualification campaigns, and work hands-on with hardware

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 4 years experience owning the development of opto-mechanical products from requirements through conceptual design, testing and manufacturing.
  • Experience designing for high-reliability space environments including launch survivability, vacuum conditions, on-orbit performance through thermal conditions STOP.
  • Experience in the design and fabrication of optical assemblies, incorporating components made from glass, carbon fiber, metals, ceramics, epoxies, as well as mechanisms and electrical elements.
  • Practical and direct engagement with hardware, from prototyping to production and testing phases.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working in a dynamic environment while driving projects to completion.
  • Good verbal and visual communication skills.
  • Application to access export-controlled information, with the ability to do so without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

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)

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