Senior Optical Engineer

About the Role:

The ElectroOptical Systems team is seeking a dynamic and detailoriented Senior Optical Engineer to support the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads. This role involves collaborating across teams to develop, troubleshoot, and refine optical instruments, including telescopes and cameras, for Earth observation missions. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of hardware, software, and product engineering and enjoys handson work with cuttingedge imaging and optical systems.

The team is responsible for electrooptical (EO) design and development while assembling, integrating and testing (AI&T) all EO payload hardware. The role will appeal to candidates that enjoy getting handson with camera, sensor, and telescope AI&T while interfacing with crossfunctional engineering, and operations.

This position is required to be onsite in our San Francisco HQ full time 5 days a week.

Impact Youll Own:

• Coordinating and executing key optical manufacturing activities, such as optical metrology and alignment activities for telescope and sensor integration and troubleshooting
• Understanding and executing warm and cold alignment and performance testing of imaging spectrometers, telescopes, and endtoend instruments
• Writing test plans and performing analysis of measured data for alignment and calibration of imaging systems
• Developing and expanding upon test software and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) for the characterization and automation of alignment and performance testing
• Coordinating and performing optomechanical manufacturing activities, such as bonding and fixturing
• Organize and participate in integration & test activities in cleanroom environments
• Leading the continued design, manufacturing, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads
• Collaborating with external partners to transfer advanced imaging expertise into Planet to establish a vibrant and financially sustainable platform
• Providing technical oversight of external vendors

• What You Bring:

  • 68 years of total relevant experience, such as airborne or spacebased imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes.
  • 3+ years relevant experience in assembly, integration, alignment, and test of optical instruments, telescopes, andor optics in fields such as defense, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, or related
  • Experience leveraging scientific tools based in Zemax, MATLAB, Python andor CC++ to advance design maturity and analyze system performance
  • Handson, cando attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
  • First hand experience working with external vendors, suppliers, and integrators
  • 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)
  • Practical experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systems
  • Educational background in Optical Engineering or equivalent experience

  • What Makes You Stand Out:

    • Experience with visible, multispectral or hyperspectral imaging systems
    • Experience with space flight program lifecycle stages including design, assembly, integration and test, or flight operations of imaging or camera hardware
    • Experience with collecting large amounts of data, data storage and data manipulation
    • Experience collaborating in a technical manner across organizational and functional boundaries to deliver capability to users
    • MSPhD in EE, CS, AA or relevant scientificengineering field

    • Application Deadline:

      May 3, 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT

      EARITAR Requirements:

      This position requires access to exportcontrolled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable exportcontrolled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security andor 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 companywide 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

      • Compensation:

        The US base salary range for this fulltime position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary shortterm and longterm 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.

        San Francisco Salary Range
        $144,500—$180,600 USD
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