Quality Engineer - Manufacturing

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, and The Netherlands.

About the Role: 

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Manufacturing Quality Engineer to drive the development and implementation of quality management systems, process design and improvement, and NPI implementation. The successful candidate will be able to implement basic and advanced aspects of quality management systems such as CAR/SCAR processes, performance metrics, documentation release processes, audit processes…etc. You will also have experience in manufacturing processes improvement with the intent to gain efficiency and capacity improvements, cost reductions, improve sustainability, and maximize resource utilization. The person in this position will work closely with product design engineers (ME and EE), manufacturing personnel, test and maintenance, as well as supply chain teams.  

Impact You’ll Own:

• Develop and update quality standards
• Create Incoming Quality Inspection standard and process across the supply chain
• Define vendor quality management criteria and audit process
• Monitor and analyze quality performance, create reports and dashboards
• Effectively manage reviews, drive for excellence
• Coordinate quality system rollout with functional managers
• Develop, configure and optimize mfg. processes from inception through to start up and validation
• Assess processes, take measurements, interpret data and develop future state value stream map
• Conduct gap analysis and create bridge map to achieve desired future state
• Conduct and coordinate Lean KAIZEN events including
• Develop best practices, routines and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output
• Perform day-to-day manufacturing quality support on the production line
• Perform risk assessments (FMEA)
• Drive the creation of process documentation and operating instructions

What You Bring:

• 4-year engineering degree required
• 3+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance or manufacturing engineering operations
• Deep experience in transforming data into information to drive change
• Strong mechanical aptitude and desire to work in manufacturing
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations (OSHA)
• Working knowledge of ISO9002 or AS9002 quality systems (ideally familiar with ISO/AS implementation and audit process)
• Analytical thinker with interpersonal skills
• Strong working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma concepts

What Makes You Stand Out:

• ASQ certification
• Demonstrated track record of building quality functions
• Previous start-up experience in a mfg setting 
• Ability to learn new engineering concepts quickly
• Demonstrated ability to implement continuous improvement processes
• Desire to lead others and coach them to their fullest potential

Benefits While Working at Planet:

• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Wellness program and onsite massages in specific offices
• Flexible Time Off
• Recognition Programs
• Commuter Benefits
• Learning and Tuition Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Offsites and Happy Hours
• Volunteering Benefits

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $109,800 - $180,600.  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 re