Senior Optical Engineer

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world's toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people‑centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role

The Electro‑Optical Systems team is seeking a dynamic and detail‑oriented Senior Optical Engineer to support the design, manufacturing, integration, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads. This role involves collaborating across teams to develop, troubleshoot, and refine optical instruments, including telescopes and cameras, for Earth observation missions. The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of hardware, software, and product engineering and enjoys hands‑on work with cutting‑edge imaging and optical systems.

The team is responsible for electro‑optical (EO) design and development while assembling, integrating and testing (AI&T) all EO payload hardware. The role will appeal to candidates that enjoy getting hands‑on with camera, sensor, and telescope AI&T while interfacing with cross‑functional engineering, and operations.

This position is required to be on‑site in our San Francisco HQ full time 5 days a week.

Impact You'll Own

• 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

What You Bring

• 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)

•…