Senior Optical Manufacturing 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 worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role :

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.

Impact You'll Own

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

Drive timely resolution of non‑conformances (NCRs), identify root causes, and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement processes

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

What You Bring

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)

Solid interpersonal skills and a collaborative, hands‑on attitude for effectively working with cross‑functional teams

Excellent attention to detail and technical writing skills for creating detailed and accurate procedures, test plans, and data summaries

What Makes You Stand Out

Experience with visible, multispectral, or hyperspectral imaging systems

Experience implementing successful continuous improvement methodologies

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.

Benefits While Working at Planet

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

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)

Compensation

The U.S. 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 U.S. 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

Why we care so much about Belonging.

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. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging—dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please… do apply! At Planet, we are looking for well‑rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description. 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. We are a few orbits around the sun before we reach where we want to be, so we hope you’re excited to come along for the ride.

EEO statement :

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. Know Your Rights.

Accommodations :

Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special needs that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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Privacy Policy (European Applicants) : By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

AI in Our Interviewing Process : Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a Planet AI Notetaker for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and / or real‑time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy : Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.

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