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Thermal Engineer

Planet
San Francisco, California
Full Time
Posted November 24, 2025
$101k - $127k
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Job Description

The Thermal Engineer at Planet is responsible for designing, analyzing, testing, and overseeing the thermal systems of spacecraft to ensure all components operate within their temperature requirements throughout the mission lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own the thermal design of spacecraft subsystems and ensure components operate within temperature ranges throughout the mission.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to derive thermal requirements and ensure optical and mechanical requirements are met.
  • Conduct thermal analysis and testing of spacecraft hardware and subsystems to validate thermal performance.
  • Develop and oversee thermal hardware fabrication, interface control documents, and configuration management.
  • Support test planning, qualification campaigns, and thermal interface definitions for mission success.
  • Coordinate with mission operation and guidance, navigation, and control engineers to ensure proper thermal conditions during flight.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Aerospace Engineering or other related engineering or science degree.
  • At least 2 years of experience in thermal designing spacecraft.
  • Good understanding of heat transfer principles.
  • Knowledge of thermal control technology of spacecraft.
  • Ability to design tests that prove thermal design effectiveness.
  • Experience with Thermal Desktop SINDA for spacecraft-level analysis or similar tools for chip-level analysis.
  • Ability to progress initiatives while working independently and as part of a team.
  • Access to export-controlled information without requiring additional export licensing, as this position requires compliance with EAR ITAR 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
US base salary range of $101,400 - $126,800 USD
Potential eligibility for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives, bonus, and equity

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