Systems Automation & Qualification Engineer

About the Role:

At Planet, we launch spacecrafts 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 work on optimizing spacecraft test execution, streamlining repetitive tasks, and making test systems simpler and more efficient to operate. The projects encompass a broad range of sub-systems, involving many engineering fields, with a primary focus on environmental testing automation as well as design, hands-on, and operations opportunities.

As a Systems Automation & 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 and thrive in an environment where software meets hardware, where automation drives efficiency, and where every test contributes to the success of a space mission. 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 position that will require you to be physically present at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA, 5 days a week. Occasional travel should be expected as part of testing and integration operations.

Impact You'll Own:

Automate mechanical test set-ups:

• Automate the control of large environmental test systems (TVAC, vibration shakers, thermal chambers, etc.) to enable fully scripted test execution.
• Develop modular and reconfigurable automation systems, allowing test set-ups to be easily adapted to new objectives.
• Create scripts to run tests, automate repetitive actions, and simplify operations, freeing up engineering time for more complex challenges.
• Build a scalable network of interconnected test machines to enable centralized monitoring and control.
• Optimize test station data collection, storage, and visualization, providing engineers with real-time insights.

Design and validate test fixtures and benches:

• Use 3D CAD software to design test fixtures, GSE and modular set-ups. Populate 2D drawings.
• Supervise and assist with procurement, machining, assembly and proofloading operations.
• Build new test equipment and hardware, integrating sensors, actuators, and control systems.

Conduct testing, drive measurement and test data analysis:

• Conduct test campaigns, operating and maintaining test machines or stations, also ensuring systems are calibrated, efficient, and ready for testing.
• Configure data acquisition software and hardware. Perform hands-on operations like GSE and instrumentation setup, inspections, etc.
• Develop automated reporting systems to analyze test results and identify trends.
• Take ownership of equipment and processes to identify failures, anomalies, root causes, and drive issues to resolution, during and after the test.

Implement continuous improvement and process development:

• Proactively improve current test set ups, stations and procedures to increase the efficiency, robustness and reliability of testing operations. Streamline test workflows.
• Create, develop and test innovative mechanical solutions and testing methods.
• Create technical documentation, guides and transfer plans.
• Develop close communication and working relationships with Engineering and Manufacturing teams. Participate in technical reviews, program status meetings, etc.

What You Bring:

• BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Electro-Mechanics/Robotics Engineering.
• 4+ years of relevant work experience.
• Proficiency in Python for automation, scripting, and test execution, for test or manufacturing.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize automation systems.

Familiarity with networked machine control, industrial automation protocols, and DAQ systems.

• Experience in controlling and automating 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.
• Proven mechanical systems engineering intuition and critical thinking.
• Proficiency in using Solidworks CAD or equivalent.
• Experience in designing test fixtures or integrating hardware with software.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience manufacturing and test equipment, including CNC operation and mechanical test rigs. (portfolio submission encouraged).
• 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.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience with Linux, shell scripting, and embedded systems.
• 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.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (Modbus, CAN, etc.).
• Interest in prototyping, rapid iteration and agile processes. Experience in working in a machine shop.
• Experience with Satellites systems and sub-systems.

Application Deadline: July 9, 2025

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.