Senior Optical Engineer
- San Francisco, CA
- $144,500-180,600 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 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
- 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)
- Practical experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systems
- Educational background in Optical Engineering or equivalent experience
- Experience with visible, multispectral or hyperspectral imaging systems
- Experience with space flight program lifecycle stages including design, assembly, integration and test, or flight operations of imaging or camera hardware
- Experience with collecting large amounts of data, data storage and data manipulation
- Experience collaborating in a technical manner across organizational and functional boundaries to deliver capability to users
- MS/PhD in EE, CS, AA or relevant scientific/engineering field
- 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 LinkedIn Learning
- Equity
- Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
- Volunteering Paid Time Off
We're dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That's why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging-dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you, but you're thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply! At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description. We don't just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people's careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts. We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you're excited to come along for the ride.EEO statement:
Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.Accommodations:
Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.Privacy Policy: By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.