Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

We believe in using space to help life on Earth. 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. 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. The New Product Introduction (NPI) Team is responsible for developing and scaling the assembly, integration, and test operations for our next generation of satellites. This includes establishing high-precision manufacturing processes for complex optical telescope payloads. As a critical member of the NPI team, the Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer will be the technical leader responsible for translating the optical telescope design from the development phase to a sustainable, high‑yield production environment. You will collaborate closely with design engineers, test engineers, and other cross-functional teams to establish the overall optical manufacturing processes and work instructions, from component assembly through final spacecraft integration. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands‑on work in building and testing complex, high‑precision optical products and take a methodical approach to pioneering and scaling manufacturing operations. This is a full‑time, in‑office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week. Support the Assembly, Integration, and Test of optical telescope payloads Develop/document optical telescope assembly procedures and work instructions including precise metrology, warm and cold alignment, and performance testing of telescopes and imaging systems Design, develop, and implement mechanical and electrical tooling, fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for optical telescope assembly and test in a cleanroom Perform analysis of measured data for alignment, calibration, and characterization of imaging systems, and monitor production metrics Provide critical Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback to the optical and mechanical design teams Provide technical oversight for external vendors and suppliers involved in optical component manufacturing and assembly Participate in the training of optical production technicians to transition the manufacturing line from R&D to production Recommend facilities and capital equipment improvements to scale manufacturing processes Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 6+ years of total relevant experience, of which 3+ years directly in the assembly, integration, alignment, and test of complex optical instruments, telescopes, or space‑based imaging payloads Hands‑on experience with complex optomechanical assembly, alignment, integration, and bonding in a cleanroom environment Experience leveraging technical software for design and analysis (e.g., Zemax, MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++) Expertise in reading technical drawings and using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software to develop tooling and fixtures Experience defining and implementing manufacturing processes in a production environment, including New Product Introduction (NPI) Excellent attention to detail and technical writing skills for creating detailed and accurate procedures, test plans, and data summaries Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software Experience across the space flight program lifecycle (design through flight operations) Additional education or certifications in a relevant engineering or scientific field Application Deadline March 2, 2026 at 11:59pm PT 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. 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 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) 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). We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts. Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you. 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Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application. Full‑time Engineering and Information Technology Software Development