Senior Opto-Mechanical 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, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:  
Our Payload Group is looking for an Opto-Mechanical Engineer to increase our design capabilities for the optical systems on Planet Labs' satellites. This would include design, materials selection, fabrication techniques, fixtures and tools, metrology, and calibration of the opto-mechanics of our telescope and other optical systems.
We are responsible for system-level analysis, operations, simulations, development, and test of our Earth observation payloads. Our group works at the intersection of hardware, software, and product engineering teams in the Space Systems division. 
The role will appeal to candidates with proven skills that enjoy getting hands-on with camera, sensor, lens assembly and telescope technology while interfacing with world class experts in photography, science, systems engineering, and operations.

Impact You’ll Own:
- Work with Optical Design Engineer and other team members to develop opto-mechanical layouts of space-based telescopes
- Design precision metal, composite and ceramic parts for mounting lenses, mirrors, filters, motors, sensors, and related system components
- Design fixtures to mount an assortment of precision optical components for alignment, focusing, metrology and optical test using kinematic features where appropriate
- Selection of structural material, such as metal, ceramics, glasses, epoxies RTV, and lubricants for properties suitable for optics in satellite environments
- Familiar with material coatings and finishes compatible with laboratory assembly and test and satellites in Earth orbit
- Create complex 3D model parts for assembly and fabrication drawings utilizing SolidWorks with EPDM
- Perform complex assembly interference checks to insure proper fits, clearances & mating part interface, including CTE effects for satellite thermal environments
- Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of geometric dimensioning & tolerancing in accordance with ASME Y14.5
- Design assembly and optical tolerancing to system requirements and determine component dimensional constraints
- Working knowledge of Sigfit/Zemax interfaces to extract STOP analysis information from mechanical model
- Vendor interface, including: optical fabrication and integration contractors, design and analysis consulting contractors, machine shops, and assorted COTS vendors

What You Bring:
- PhD with three (3) years of experience, or MS with five (5) years of experience, or BS Degree with eight (8) years of experience in Opto-Mechanical design
- Knowledge of Zemax and SolidWorks
- Experience developing optical systems for space-based applications
- Experience working closely with vendors, discussing design performance, producibility and cost

What Makes You Stand Out:
- Demonstrated skills with kinematic features for optical component fabrication and optical system design
- Familiarity with optical coating types and issues related to use in space
- Skills developed in both a design and fabrication/assembly working environment

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 $162,600 - $203,300. 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 US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.