How to apply for Opto-Mechanical Engineer

About Planet

Planet is unique as a space technology company that operates the world's largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily global coverage. Their mission of empowering impactful stewardship through timely data appeals to engineers who want their work to have real-world environmental and humanitarian applications. Unlike traditional aerospace companies, Planet emphasizes rapid iteration and data-driven manufacturing processes for mid-volume satellite production.

About the role

This Opto-Mechanical Engineer role involves owning the entire manufacturing process for optical payloads on next-generation satellites, from design through production. You'll be responsible for creating efficient assembly lines and ensuring payloads meet rigorous space environment requirements through collaboration with cross-functional teams. This position is impactful because you'll directly contribute to building the satellites that provide Planet's critical daily Earth observation data.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing manufacturing line data to optimize optical payload assembly processes, collaborating with vendors on fabrication issues, and working with cross-functional teams on thermal and structural analyses. You'd likely spend time on tolerance stackup calculations, GD&T reviews, and failure analysis while ensuring all designs meet space environment requirements for Planet's next satellite generation.

Who Planet is looking for

• Has 4+ years of hands-on experience developing opto-mechanical products from requirements through manufacturing, not just design
• Possesses specific experience with space environment design including launch survivability, vacuum conditions, and thermal performance (STOP analysis)
• Demonstrates practical knowledge of optical assembly fabrication processes and vendor management
• Can show examples of data-driven manufacturing line design for mid-volume production, not just one-off prototypes

Tips for this application

• Quantify your experience with specific examples of opto-mechanical products you've taken from requirements through manufacturing, including production volumes
• Highlight any experience with mid-volume (not just prototype) manufacturing processes for optical or aerospace components
• Mention specific tools/methods you've used for tolerance stackup, GD&T analyses, and failure analysis in space applications
• Research and reference Planet's specific satellite constellations (like SkySat or Dove) in your application materials
• Demonstrate understanding of Planet's 'agile aerospace' approach by showing how you've balanced reliability requirements with efficient production

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience with the complete opto-mechanical development lifecycle from requirements through manufacturing', 'Specific examples of designing for space environments (launch, vacuum, thermal) and how you ensured reliability', 'Experience with manufacturing process design and optimization, particularly for mid-volume production', "How your approach aligns with Planet's mission of providing timely Earth data through efficient satellite production"]

Research before applying

• Planet's current satellite constellations (Dove, SkySat, Pelican) and their optical payload specifications
• Planet's manufacturing approach and facilities, particularly their emphasis on 'agile aerospace' and data-driven decisions
• The company's recent missions and how their data is used for environmental monitoring and other applications
• Planet's technical blog and engineering publications to understand their current technical challenges and approaches

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk through a specific opto-mechanical product you developed from requirements to manufacturing, including challenges with vendors
• Describe your approach to designing a manufacturing line for mid-volume production of optical assemblies
• How do you balance stiffness, strength, and thermal requirements in space optical payload design?
• Discuss a time you performed failure analysis on an optical assembly and how you resolved it
• How would you approach the transition from prototype to mid-volume production for Planet's next-generation satellites?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on design experience without demonstrating manufacturing and production process ownership
• Presenting only academic or theoretical knowledge without practical space environment experience
• Applying with generic aerospace experience that doesn't specifically address opto-mechanical assembly and fabrication