Spacecraft Qualification Engineer

About the Role:  

At Planet, we launch spacecraft early and often. From technology demonstrators to operational constellations, exceptional engineers are needed to design, manufacture, test and launch spacecrafts. This role offers a unique opportunity for an engineer to get involved from A to Z in projects pertaining to a wide range of engineering fields, with some design, analysis, hands-on, and operations opportunities.

As a Spacecraft Qualification engineer, you will join a small team of dedicated engineers  playing a key role in the advent of several platforms. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, curious and creative, that has a technical understanding of space systems and wants to be involved with hardware and problems solving. To be successful in this role, the candidate should enjoy hands-on work, thrive in ambiguity, and be able to lead their own projects into completion. Coming from a fast paced, aerospace environment, having completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key teams, will be a plus.

This is a full-time, temporary position expected for a 1 year duration. This role will require you to be physically present at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA, 5 days a week, and occasional travel should be expected as part of testing and integration operations.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Develop test plans: 
  • Understand needs and requirements for various satellites components and systems.
  • Author and maintain detailed test plans, procedures and support tools. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Design and validate test fixtures and Ground Support Equipment (GSE):
  • Use 3D CAD software to design test fixtures and GSE equipment. Run structural FEA. Populate 2D drawings. 
  • Supervise and assist with procurement, machining, assembly and proofloading operations.
• Conduct testing: 
  • Develop,  coordinate, and lead the execution of environmental test campaigns.
  • Perform hands-on operations like test setup, instrumentation, inspections, etc.
  • Operate and understand a variety of computer-automated and manual test equipment, including vibration and shock systems, data acquisition systems, thermal and vacuum chambers, etc.
  • Take ownership of equipment and processes to identify failures, anomalies, root causes, and drive issues to resolution, during and after test.
• Drive measurement and test data analysis: 
  • Configure data acquisition software and hardware.
  • Analyze and review data using numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results and ensure that the hardware operates as expected. Identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement and process development:
  • Proactively improve current test set ups, stations and procedures to increase the efficiency and reliability of testing operations. 
  • Create, develop and test innovative mechanical solutions and testing methods.
• Document and develop communication: 
  • Keep detailed notes of tests, specimens and anomalies. Report test results, providing recommendations for design modifications or improvements.  
  • Develop close communication and working relationships with Engineering and Manufacturing teams. Participate in technical reviews, program status meetings, etc.

What You Bring:

• MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Transportation Engineering or Electro-Mechanics/Robotics Engineering. 
• 3+ years of relevant work experience.
• Proven mechanical systems engineering intuition and critical thinking. 
• Experience in environmental test qualification, running and managing test projects with 3+ months of vibration testing experience.
• Proficiency in using Solidworks CAD & FEA (simulation) or equivalent. 
• Data analysis skills for evaluating system performance and identifying anomalies.
• Proficiency defining test strategies, test plans, test procedures, as well as general manufacturing workflows.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience (portfolio submission encouraged).
• Proficiency in project management with an ability to collaborate and resolve routine issues or escalate others to the appropriate individual in a timely manner; document test results and create test reports.
• Ability to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines. 
• Ability to be self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to develop creative solutions in a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment. Must be a team player able to work in a collaborative team environment.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience in operating a variety of test machines as vibration shakers, thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, shock machine, as well as working with test equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes.
• Interest in prototyping, rapid iteration and agile processes. Experience in working in a machine shop.
• Experience building and working with DAQs for test article command/control and data gathering; well-versed with the instrumentation, usage, and data consumption from accelerometers, load cells and other DAQ sensors.
• Interest in automation. Familiarity with Raspberry Pi's, Node Red, or Python.

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• 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
• Remote-friendly work environment 
• 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

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below.  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.