Mechanical Engineer

About the Role:  

The Mechanical Engineering team at Planet is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of key spacecraft subsystems across Planet's fleet of Earth-imaging satellites! Your mission will be to champion our spacecraft design efforts, from the subsystem level, all the way up to the top-level spacecraft. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned mechanical designer who has led mechanical subsystem development across multiple programs from conceptual design through testing and into flight. As a member of the Mechanical Engineering team within Planet's Space Systems division, you will be a key contributor and stakeholder in Planet's agile aerospace approach to spacecraft design, and will work closely with Thermal Engineering, Electrical Engineering,  Qualification, and Manufacturing as well as the rest of Planet's leading-edge spacecraft design teams.

Impact You'll Own:

• Own the mechanical design on key spacecraft subsystems across Planet's satellite fleet
• Drive documentation and presentation of new designs throughout design phases and reviews
• Collaborate with structural analysis team to drive / perform analyses on key spacecraft subsystems to meet stiffness and strength requirements
• Drive part / assembly tolerancing using GD&T, and own release of drawing packages for part fabrication
• Drive part / assembly design and fabrication at key subsystem vendors
• Collaborate with manufacturing team to implement key spacecraft design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features
• Support ICD development and size and develop interfaces for your subsystems
• Support test planning and qualification campaigns
• Support debugging and root-causing on-orbit anomalies and production 
• Be hands on with flight and test hardware. We like engineers who get their hands dirty

What You Bring:

• 4+ years experience owning products from requirements, thru conceptual design, and into test and manufacturing
• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and Product Lifecycle Management software. SolidWorks preferred, though not necessary
• Brings a first principles approach to solving engineering problems
• Experience doing initial sizing for stiffness and strength using tools like Finite Element Analysis and hand calcs
• Seasoned experience in and passion for analyzing and root-causing problems quickly and efficiently
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree
• Proficiency using GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 to generate good quality, low cost parts
• Experience with design and fabrication of composites and metal components
• Hands-on experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing
• Self-motivation and a keen sense of ownership over one's work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Outstanding verbal and visual communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree
• >3 years of experience designing spacecraft, aircraft, or automotive components
• Designed products for low or mid volume serial production and have a good understanding of the tradeoffs between manufacturing methods for these volumes
• Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA
• Experience in optics / opto-mechanical hardware,  mechanisms, structures, or electronics/RF packaging
• Machine shop experience fabricating or modifying parts (CNC Mill/Router, Mill, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D printer)
• Proficiency in Python, Matlab, Visual Basic (VBA), and/or C

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 $128,400 - $160,500.  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.