Senior Camera Systems Engineer

About the Role

Planet seeks a Senior Camera Systems Engineer to serve as the primary system architect and technical lead for our next-generation satellite camera modules. In this role, you will bridge the gap between mission-level imaging goals and hardware implementation, orchestrating the end-to-end lifecycle of our camera systems. You will drive requirements flowdown, lead cross‑functional trade studies, and manage key technical relationships with external image sensor and camera component vendors.

You will collaborate closely with Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Optical, and Flight Software teams to optimize the camera system to meet our tight SWaP‑C (Size, Weight, Power, Cost, and Schedule) and electro‑optical performance targets.

This is a full‑time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.

• Translate top‑level remote sensing performance requirements into clear, verifiable specifications for the camera subsystem (including image sensor, proximity electronics, lens/optical interfaces, and thermal management).
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external image sensor foundries and camera component vendors; drive statement of work (SOW) definitions, technical milestones, and critical design reviews (PDR/CDR).
• Lead camera‑level trade studies balancing image quality attributes (SNR, dynamic range, MTF, radiometry) against spacecraft constraints like power consumption, thermal dissipation, and mass.
• Define and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) mapping the boundaries between the camera module, high‑speed data serialization, the image signal processing (ISP) pipeline, and the host payload/spacecraft bus.
• Own the end‑to‑end verification matrix for the camera; design and oversee the execution of environmental qualification plans (vacuum, thermal, vibration) and electro‑optical calibration routines.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of engineering experience, with at least 5+ years dedicated to systems engineering or technical leadership for complex digital cameras or electro‑optical (EO) imaging systems.
• Proven track record of managing requirements traceability and flowdown across electrical, mechanical, and optical boundaries.
• Demonstrated experience managing external vendors, foundries, or contract manufacturers for high‑performance camera components or custom sensors.
• Deep understanding of CMOS image sensor architecture, radiometry, and camera performance budgets (e.g., tracking noise, stray light, and MTF across the camera module).

• Experience developing camera hardware or imaging instruments for the LEO environment, including knowledge of radiation mitigation, out gassing, and vacuum‑compatible design.
• Experience applying aerospace standards (NASA, ESA, or high‑reliability commercial equivalents) to camera qualification, environmental testing, and hardware acceptance.
• Familiarity with hardware‑level image processing (e.g., dark current correction, defective pixel masking), high‑speed serialization protocols, and ground‑station image calibration.

October 14, 2026 at 11:59 p PT

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.

• 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 Linked In Learning
• Equity
• Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
• Volunteering Paid Time Off

The US…