Vibration (Environmental) Test Technician

About the Role:

At Planet, we launch spacecrafts early and often. From technology demonstrators to operational constellations, exceptional engineers are needed to design, manufacture, test and launch spacecrafts. This role offers a unique opportunity for a test technician to get involved from A to Z in projects pertaining to a wide range of engineering fields, with some design, analysis, hands-on, and operations opportunities.

As a Vibration (Environmental) Test Technician you will join a small team of dedicated engineers  playing a key role in the advent of several platforms. You will take the lead in operating and maintaining vibration test systems, supporting many environmental qualification campaigns on systems ranging from sub-components to fully integrated Spacecrafts.. This role requires hands-on experience with electrodynamic shaker systems, load cells, and force-limited vibration testing. While the primary focus is on shaker operations, you will also support other environmental testing, such as thermal chambers, shock testing, and TVAC chambers, as needed. The ideal candidate is a team-player that enjoys working with a diverse crew of technicians and engineers in a fast paced environment. Dynamic and proactive, you like to take initiatives to support your team and are eager to expand your knowledge and range of operations.  Experience in the aerospace industry is a plus.

This is a full-time position that will require you to be physically present at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA, 5 days a week. Occasional travel should be expected as part of testing and integration operations.

Impact You'll Own:

• Conduct testing: 
  • Program and operate vibration controllers and electrodynamic vibration systems (various models).
  • Set up and execute force-limited vibration tests using load cells, accelerometers, and other sensors.
  • Select accelerometers and evaluate and determine control strategies.
  • Perform hands-on operations like GSE and instrumentation setup, inspections, etc.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with shaker tables, data acquisition systems (DAQs), and sensors.
  • Support additional environmental tests, including operating a variety of computer-automated and manual test equipment, like shock systems, data acquisition systems, thermal and vacuum chambers, etc.
• Design and validate test fixtures and Ground Support Equipment (GSE):
  • Evaluate and characterize fixtures for vibration tests.
  • Supervise and assist with procurement, machining, assembly and proofloading operations.
• Implement continuous improvement and process development:
  • Proactively improve current test set-ups, stations and procedures to increase the efficiency and reliability of testing operations. 
  • Support the campaign lead in identifying and eliminating workflow / schedule bottlenecks and support the team in maximizing operational efficiency.
• Document and develop communication:
  • Accurately complete technical reports, test results, and all other required documentation, like operational guides, etc.
  • Manage the sensors and fixtures inventory, conducting routine maintenance and calibration to ensure accuracy and reliability.
  • Coordinate with the campaign lead and the principal engineers to maintain testing efficiency.

What You Bring:

• 2+ years of relevant work experience, focused on vibration testing operations.
• Demonstrated experience in using and setting up a vibration table control software, and working with advance set-up like force summing, notching, etc.
• Familiarity with different sensors like accelerometers, load cells, strain gauges… and ability to select the most relevant for different applications.
• Familiarity with vibration testing standards, such as MIL-STD-810 or equivalent.
• Hands-on skills in test setup, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting of shaker systems and sensors. And more generally good mechanical abilities and background.
• Ability to lift up heavy loads (up to ~35lbs) and spend long periods of time standing up (Standing / Sitting: 70% / 30%).
• A meticulous approach to following procedures, maintaining records, and ensuring test accuracy.
• Ability to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines. 
• Diligence in executing work instructions and demonstrated proactive, detail oriented, and thorough work ethics behavior.
• Experience working individually and in a team environment.

What Makes You Stand Out: 

• Experience in operating a variety of test machines in addition to vibration shakers such as, thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, shock machine, as well as working with test equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes.
• Familiarity with other environmental testing standards, such as UN Certification 38.3 for batteries or ASTM E-595 for outgassing, etc.
• Interest in prototyping, rapid iteration and agile processes. 
• Experience in working in a machine shop.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and contributing to the development of test documentation.
• Experience in operating cranes.
• A passion for space technology and ensuring hardware meets the toughest standards of reliability.

Application Deadline:

June 6, 2025 by 11:45pm PT

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

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 While Working at Planet:

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
• 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

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below.  Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job related experience, skills and location.  The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only.  Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.