Job Description
The Senior Optical Engineer at Planet will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads, including telescopes and cameras, for Earth observation missions, while collaborating across teams to troubleshoot and refine optical instruments.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and execute optical manufacturing activities, including metrology and alignment for telescope and sensor integration.
- Perform warm and cold alignment and performance testing of imaging spectrometers and telescopes.
- Write test plans and analyze data for alignment and calibration of imaging systems.
- Develop test software and electrical ground support equipment for alignment and performance testing.
- Conduct optomechanical manufacturing activities, such as bonding and fixturing.
- Organize and participate in integration test activities in cleanroom environments.
- Lead design, manufacturing, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads.
- Collaborate with external partners to transfer imaging expertise.
- Provide technical oversight of external vendors.
Requirements
- 6-8 years of total relevant experience, such as airborne or space-based imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes.
- 3 years relevant experience in assembly, integration, alignment, and test of optical instruments, telescopes, and or optics in fields such as defense, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, or related.
- Experience leveraging scientific tools based in Zemax, MATLAB, Python and or C C to advance design maturity and analyze system performance.
- Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries.
- Experience in driving the definition and execution of Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
- Experience in manufacturing and production environments, including New Product Implementation (NPI).
- Educational background in Optical Engineering or equivalent experience.
- 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
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
Remote-friendly work environment
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
US base salary range of 144,500 - 180,600 USD
Ready to Apply?
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