How to apply for Senior Spacecraft Qualification Engineer

About Planet

Planet operates the world's largest constellation of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily, global coverage that empowers environmental stewardship and data-driven decision-making. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that combines aerospace innovation with a commitment to transparency and sustainability.

About the role

As a Senior Spacecraft Qualification Engineer, you will own the environmental test campaigns that ensure our satellites survive launch and operate reliably in orbit. Your work directly impacts the quality of our global imaging data by validating spacecraft design and manufacturing through rigorous vibration, shock, and thermal tests.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a test readiness review for an upcoming vibration campaign, followed by real-time monitoring of a thermal vacuum test. You'll collaborate with systems engineers to assess data anomalies, then work with technicians to adjust test setups or fixtures. Afternoons could involve analyzing test results, writing reports, or brainstorming process improvements with the team.

Who Planet is looking for

• Has 6+ years hands-on experience planning and executing vibration, shock, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum tests for flight hardware, with a track record of resolving off-nominal events.
• Deeply understands spacecraft structural dynamics, vibration theory, and heat transfer, and can interpret test data in real time to make critical go/no-go decisions.
• Proficient in SolidWorks CAD and FEA (or equivalent), and can design test fixtures and analyze test readiness.
• Thrives in cross-functional collaboration, coordinating with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless test campaigns.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific test campaigns you've owned, including the types of hardware (e.g., CubeSats, smallsats) and environmental tests performed.
• Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Reduced test cycle time by 20% through process improvements' or 'Led 10+ successful TVAC campaigns without schedule delays'.
• Show familiarity with Planet's satellite architecture (Dove, SuperDove) and how your experience applies to their rapid iteration and production scale.
• Mention any experience with test automation or data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python) that could improve operational efficiency.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize 'ownership' and 'technical authority' language from the job description.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your hands-on experience with environmental test campaigns for small satellites or similar flight hardware.', "How you've acted as the primary technical authority during tests, including real-time data assessment and recovery planning.", 'Your ability to drive continuous improvement in test processes and facility capabilities.', "Alignment with Planet's mission to use satellite data for environmental stewardship and global impact."]

Research before applying

• Read about Planet's satellite generations (Dove, SuperDove) and their typical environmental test requirements.
• Understand Planet's approach to agile aerospace: rapid iteration, high-volume production, and how test fits into that.
• Review Planet's public documentation on their ground segment and how test data feeds into spacecraft health monitoring.
• Look into Planet's recent launches and any publicly shared lessons learned from qualification campaigns.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a time you encountered an off-nominal event during a vibration or TVAC test. How did you diagnose and recover?
• How do you ensure test readiness and coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g., AIT, systems engineering)?
• Walk us through your approach to designing a thermal vacuum test profile for a small satellite.
• How would you improve our current environmental test process to handle higher production volumes?
• Explain how you would validate a test fixture design using FEA before fabrication.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application without mentioning Planet or specific satellite qualification experience.
• Overemphasizing academic research over hands-on test execution and problem-solving in a production environment.
• Failing to demonstrate ownership and decision-making authority in past test campaigns.