Senior Optical Engineer

• Coordinating and executing key optical manufacturing activities, such as optical metrology and alignment activities for telescope and sensor integration and troubleshooting
• Understanding and executing warm and cold alignment and performance testing of imaging spectrometers, telescopes, and end-to-end instruments
• Writing test plans and performing analysis of measured data for alignment and calibration of imaging systems
• Developing and expanding upon test software and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) for the characterization and automation of alignment and performance testing
• Coordinating and performing optomechanical manufacturing activities, such as bonding and fixturing
• Organize and participate in integration & test activities in cleanroom environments
• Leading the continued design, manufacturing, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads
• Collaborating with external partners to transfer advanced imaging expertise into Planet to establish a vibrant and financially sustainable platform
• Providing technical oversight of external vendors

This role contributes to Planet's mission of using space to help life on Earth by developing advanced imaging payloads that deliver unprecedented Earth observation data to commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors, enabling solutions to the world's toughest obstacles.

• 6-8 years of total relevant experience, such as airborne or space-based imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes
• 3+ years relevant experience in assembly, integration, alignment, and test of optical instruments, telescopes, and/or optics in fields such as defense, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, or related
• Experience leveraging scientific tools based in Zemax, MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++ to advance design maturity and analyze system performance
• Hands-on, can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
• First hand experience working with external vendors, suppliers, and integrators
• Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries
• Experience in driving the definition and execution of Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
• Experience in manufacturing and production environments, including New Product Implementation (NPI)
• Practical experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systems
• Educational background in Optical Engineering or equivalent experience

• 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)
• Volunteering Paid Time Off
• Salary range: $144,500 - $180,600 USD

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history, delivering an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a cloud-based platform to commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors to help solve the world's toughest obstacles.