Spacecraft Qualification Technician

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 world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

Here at Planet Labs, we launch spacecraft early and often. From technology demonstrations to operational constellations, we're designing, manufacturing and launching record-breaking numbers of spacecraft. An exceptional technician is needed for supporting a variety of integration and environmental testing activities at component, subsystems and system level. You will be building, improving and following procedures to build both ground support equipment and flight hardware. This includes operating a random vibration table, shock table, thermal air as well as thermal and vacuum chambers.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco Headquarters 5 days/week.

Impact You'll Own:

• Support the Acceptance, Testing and & Integration (AI&T) line of Planet’s next satellite constellation
• Coordinate and lead the execution of environmental test campaign
• Participate in the planning and coordination of test campaigns
• Support functional and environmental testing
• Assist with test fixture development/requirements/assembly
• Perform Environmental Lab maintenance
• Design and test equipment and infrastructure for the transportation of spacecraft and subsystems
• Implement 5s methodology in the qual lab and model shop
• Design, assemble and test the tools & equipment required to support spacecraft launch integration
• Support Launch Integration

What You Bring:

• Ability to work on-site in a lab environment 5 days/week
• 4+ years of relevant work experience
• Knowledgeable about safety protocols
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and make quality decisions without negative impact on others
• Ability to work well with cross-functional teams to achieve desired results
• Experience with Engineering Documentation Control, G-Suite, Jira
• Experience resolving routine issues and escalating other issues to the appropriate individual in a timely manner
• Excellent attention to detail and quality
• Ability to travel within the United States or internationally as needed
• Experience supporting Launch Integration

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Hands-on Spacecraft assembly and testing experience
• Experience with lab equipment - thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, vibration tables
• CAD Experience
• 3d printer operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Comfortable working in an agile, dynamic environment
• Proficiently use various mechanical tools and heavy machinery
• Ability to provide solutions to address and unblock dynamic situations

Application Deadline:

August 8, 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT

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.

Why we care so much about Belonging. 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. Know Your Rights.

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 [email protected] 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.

Originally posted on Himalayas