Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

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, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

We are currently seeking a Sr Spacecraft Systems Engineer to lead the system verification, development, and test of the next phase of Tanager spacecraft. As a spacecraft technical lead,  you will guide an agile engineering team through requirements formulation, design, verification and validation (V&V), as well as integration, assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will also interface with our Product team to ensure that our satellites meet our customer’s needs, with our Manufacturing leads to transition our satellites to mass production, and our Mission Operations leads to ensure the proper on-orbit operation of our future fleets. 

This is a full-time, hybrid position which is required to work in our San Francisco HQ approximately 4 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

• Drive the development and growth of Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites 
• Lead definition of subsystem interfaces, system level budgets, and multidisciplinary and multi-organizational design trades
• Lead the technical coordination of multiple teams, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering teams 
• Develop and execute plans for validation and verification of the satellite system, including both environmental and functional testing
• Participate in the assembly, integration and testing of satellite systems, including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned
• Collaborate with our mission operations as well as data product teams to ensure that the satellite system meets the needs of our customers

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar
• 6+ years of experience in the design and development of satellite systems
• Understanding of one or multiple satellite subsystems, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, or Electrical
• Familiarity with requirements formulation, validation, and verification best practices
• Experience with vehicle testing, including both functional and environmental testing
• Experience collaborating with technical teams
• Excellent communication skills for exchanges with vendors, contractors, and customer
• Excited by working in an agile, fast-paced environment, even in times of uncertainty and ambiguity

What Makes You Stand Out: 

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• 7+ years of experience working in the satellite industry, including design/analysis, AI&T and/or V&V.
• Familiar with industry standards for small satellites (50-200 kg)
• Remote Sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
• Knowledge of design for space environment best practice
• Solid understanding of the product development lifecycle process, including analysis and design, development tools and technologies, release and version control, contemporary testing methodologies and deployment management.

Application Deadline:

July 18, 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT

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 Direc