Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer

About the Role:

We are currently seeking a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer to support Planet’s development and deployment of our next generation satellite platforms. As a spacecraft technical lead, you will guide an agile manufacturing and test team through verification and validation (V&V), as well as integration, assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will work directly with our Manufacturing, Test, and Qualification teams as well as cross-functional engineering design teams to ensure all requirements and any non-conformances are dispositioned.

This position requires a solid technical baseline and a systems-level mindset. You will need the technical credibility to navigate design discussions, facilitate risk-based trade-offs, and represent manufacturing and testability requirements early in the product lifecycle. Your primary objective will be to ensure Planet’s spacecraft transition smoothly from design to production while maintaining high standards for quality, schedule, and mission reliability.

Impact You'll Own:

• Develop and execute plans for Verification and Validation of the satellite system, including environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing
• Lead triage of technical issues encountered during AI&T
• Track requirements and non-conformances surfaced during AI&T and assess cross-functional risks as well as impacts to customer-specific deliverables
• Lead continuous improvement of AI&T process to help transition Planet’s R&D development to scaled manufacturing programs of record
• Complete feed-back loop to multiple design teams, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering for design feedback and continuous iteration

What You Bring:

• 6+ years of relevant work experience in the design and development of satellite systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or similar
• Experience with vehicle testing, including both functional and environmental testing
• Familiarity with requirements formulation as well as validation and verification best practices
• Familiarity with space manufacturing processes, test strategies, and V&V workflows
• Experience with avionics integration, including familiarity with first order electronics debugging
• A solid technical baseline with a "roll-up-your-sleeves" mentality, enabling you to engage deeply with complex systems and translate technical engineering constraints into real-time decisions in the manufacturing process
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to stay highly organized, manage schedule, and drive consensus across diverse, high-pressure environments

What Makes You Stand Out:

• 6+ years of experience working in the satellite industry, including design/analysis, AI&T and/or V&V
• Experience managing spacecraft hardware and software build and development cycles
• Deep technical fluency in at least one spacecraft specialization (e.g., structures, avionics, thermal design, software) allowing you to engage credibly with engineers on complex trade-offs
• Familiar with industry standards including NASA GEVS and SMC-S-16 for small satellites (50-200 kg)
• Remote Sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements related to Satellite and Rideshare Launch Vehicles

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.