Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer Verified today

About the Role

Planet seeks a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support development and deployment of next-generation satellite platforms. As a spacecraft technical lead, you will guide an agile manufacturing and test team through verification and validation (V&V), and integration, assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will work with Manufacturing, Test, and Qualification teams plus cross-functional design teams to disposition requirements and non-conformances.

You need solid technical baseline and systems-level mindset. You will have technical credibility to navigate design discussions, facilitate risk-based trade-offs, and represent manufacturing and testability requirements early in the product lifecycle. Your primary objective is to ensure spacecraft transition smoothly from design to production while maintaining high standards for quality, schedule, and mission reliability.

Impact You'll Own

• Develop and execute plans for Verification and Validation of the satellite system, including environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing
• Lead triage of technical issues encountered during AI&T
• Track requirements and non-conformances surfaced during AI&T and assess cross-functional risks and impacts to customer-specific deliverables
• Lead continuous improvement of AI&T process to transition R&D development to scaled manufacturing programs of record
• Complete feedback loop to design teams (Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, Manufacturing) for design feedback and continuous iteration

What You Bring

• 6+ years of relevant work experience in design and development of satellite systems
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar
• Experience with vehicle testing, including functional and environmental testing
• Familiarity with requirements formulation and validation and verification best practices
• Familiarity with space manufacturing processes, test strategies, and V&V workflows
• Experience with avionics integration, including first order electronics debugging
• Solid technical baseline with roll-up-your-sleeves mentality to engage deeply with complex systems and translate technical constraints into real-time manufacturing decisions
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, highly organized, able to manage schedule and drive consensus in high-pressure environments

What Makes You Stand Out

• 6+ years in satellite industry, including design/analysis, AI&T and/or V&V
• Experience managing spacecraft hardware and software build and development cycles
• Deep technical fluency in at least one spacecraft specialization (structures, avionics, thermal design, software)
• Familiarity with industry standards including NASA GEVS and SMC-S-16 for small satellites (50-200 kg)
• Remote Sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements for Satellite and Rideshare Launch Vehicles

Employment Details

Full-time, hybrid role based in San Francisco, CA. Requires 3 days per week at Planet's San Francisco HQ office.

This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the candidate's ability to access export-controlled information without additional export licensing required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Compensation and Benefits

US base salary range: $162,600 to $203,200 USD. Role eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). Final salary determined by job-related experience, skills and location.

Benefits include comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans; Health Savings Account with company contribution; generous Paid Time Off; 16 Weeks Paid Parental Leave; Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program; Home Office Reimbursement; Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement; Tuition Reimbursement and LinkedIn Learning access; Equity; Commuter Benefits (if local to office); Volunteering Paid Time Off. Benefits dependent on employment type and location per applicable law or policy.