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Senior Mechanical Engineer

Planet
San Francisco, California
Full Time
Posted December 1, 2025
$145k - $181k
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Application opens on company website

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and supporting the development of spacecraft subsystems for Planet's fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, collaborating across teams to ensure successful hardware integration, testing, and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop spacecraft subsystems from conceptual design through manufacturing and testing
  • Create and present documentation and designs during various design phases and reviews
  • Perform structural and performance analyses on spacecraft subsystems to meet stiffness and strength requirements
  • Develop and release detailed drawings and tolerances for part fabrication
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to implement design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA)
  • Support interface control document (ICD) development and define subsystem interfaces
  • Assist in test planning, qualification campaigns, and hardware validation
  • Troubleshoot and root cause on-orbit anomalies and during production hardware testing

Requirements

  • Six (6) years of experience owning products from requirements, through conceptual design, and into test and manufacturing.
  • Advanced proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
  • Solid experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD T) and ANSI Y14.5 standards to generate good quality, low cost parts.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree.
  • Experience with design and fabrication of composites and metal components.
  • Hands-on experience with dynamic hardware builds, test plan creation, and hardware validation.
  • Ability to be self-motivated and responsible while working in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent verbal and visual communication skills.
  • Experience designing mechanisms, electromechanical components, or solar arrays for at least 2 years.
  • Experience designing products for low or mid volume serial production and understanding of tradeoffs between manufacturing methods for these volumes.
  • Ability to drive manufacturers and implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
  • Experience in optics, opto-mechanical hardware, mechanisms, structures, and/or electronics RF packaging.
  • Proficiency in machine shop fabrication or modification of parts using CNC Mill, Router, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D printer.
  • Ability to access export-controlled information without requiring additional export licensing, in compliance with 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
Volunteering Paid Time Off
Discretionary short-term and long-term incentives bonus and equity
Salary range of $144,500 - $180,600 USD (dependent on experience, skills, and location)

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