Senior Spacecraft Qualification Engineer

At Planet, we launch spacecraft early and often. From technology demonstrators to operational constellations, exceptional engineers are needed to design, manufacture, test and launch spacecraft. This role offers a unique opportunity for an engineer to take ownership of environmental testing activities supporting spacecraft production and delivery. As a Senior Spacecraft Qualification Engineer, you will serve as the primary mechanical and environmental test engineering authority at our Berlin manufacturing site. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who enjoys hands-on work and thrives in ambiguity, with deep technical expertise, quick engineering judgment, and the ability to independently assess and resolve complex test situations while ensuring the safety of personnel and flight hardware. Coming from a dynamic aerospace environment, having completed challenging environmental test campaigns while collaborating effectively with R&D, systems, and manufacturing teams will be a solid advantage. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our Berlin office 5 days per week. Occasional travel should be expected as part of testing and integration operations.

• 6+ years of relevant work experience. • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering or Electro-Mechanics/Robotics Engineering. • Experience owning vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum test campaigns for flight or flight-like hardware. • Understanding of environmental verification methodologies, acceptance and protoflight testing industry standards, and flight hardware handling. • Knowledge of spacecraft systems and the interactions between structures, mechanisms, avionics, payloads, and thermal systems. • Knowledge of structural dynamics and vibration theory (resonance and modal behavior, wave propagation, random vibration, boundary control, etc.). • Knowledge of heat transfer principles and thermal management technology. • Ability to evaluate test data, identify anomalies, assess risk, make sound engineering decisions during off-nominal situations, and develop recovery plans for flight hardware. • Proficiency in using Solidworks CAD & FEA (simulation) or equivalent. • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing competing priorities and tight schedules. • Ability to lead a team of technicians and work closely with international engineers in a collaborative environment. • Hands-on experience (portfolio submission encouraged). • Experience in operating a variety of test machines as vibration shakers, thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, shock machine, as well as working with test equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes. • Experience building and working with DAQs for test article command/control and data gathering; well-versed with the instrumentation, usage, and data consumption from accelerometers, load cells and other DAQ sensors. • Interest in prototyping, rapid iteration and agile processes. Experience in working in a machine shop. • Interest in automation. Familiarity with Raspberry Pis, Node Red, or Python. Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This position requires access to U.S. and German/EU 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 German, EU, or U.S. authorities.

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy. • Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off • Employee Wellness Program • Home Office Reimbursement • Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement • Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning • Equity • Volunteering Paid Time Off San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Why we care so much about Belonging. We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging—dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply! At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description. We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts. We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you’re excited to come along for the ride. Accommodations: Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you. Privacy Policy : By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants , and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein. Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe , and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein. AI in Our Interviewing Process : Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a "Planet AI Notetaker" for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy. Candidate AI Policy : Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions . If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.