Job Description
Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history.
Key Responsibilities
- Planet seeks a Senior Camera Systems Engineer to serve as the primary system architect and technical lead for our next-generation satellite camera modules. In this role, you will bridge the gap between mission-level imaging goals and hardware implementation, orchestrating the end-to-end lifecycle of our camera systems. You will drive requirements flowdown, lead cross-functional trade studies, and manage key technical relationships with external image sensor and camera component vendors.
- You will collaborate closely with Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Optical, and Flight Software teams to optimize the camera system to meet our tight SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, Cost, and Schedule) and electro-optical performance targets.
- This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
- 10+ years of engineering experience, with at least 5+ years dedicated to systems engineering or technical leadership for complex digital cameras or electro-optical (EO) imaging systems.
- Track record of managing requirements traceability and flowdown across electrical, mechanical, and optical boundaries
- Experience managing external vendors, foundries, or contract manufacturers for high-performance camera components or custom sensors.
- Deep understanding of CMOS image sensor architecture, radiometry, and camera performance budgets (e.g., tracking noise, stray light, and MTF across the camera module).
- Experience developing camera hardware or imaging instruments for the LEO environment, including knowledge of radiation mitigation, outgassing, and vacuum-compatible design.
- Experience applying aerospace standards (NASA, ESA, or high-reliability commercial equivalents) to camera qualification, environmental testing, and hardware acceptance.
- Familiarity with hardware-level image processing (e.g., dark current correction, defective pixel masking), high-speed serialization protocols, and ground-station image calibration.
- 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 & Perks
- These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
- 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
Ready to Apply?
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