Senior Mechanical Engineer, Deployable Solar Arrays

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

The Mechanical Engineering team at Planet is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to help drive the design of key spacecraft subsystems across Planet’s fleet of Earth-imaging satellites! Your mission will be to champion our spacecraft design efforts, from the subsystem level, all the way up to the top-level spacecraft. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned mechanical designer who has led mechanical subsystem development across multiple programs from conceptual design through manufacturing and testing and into flight. As a member of the Mechanical Engineering team within Planet’s Space Systems division, you will be a key contributor and stakeholder in Planet’s agile aerospace approach to spacecraft design, and will work closely with Planet Mechanical Engineering Team, Qualification Team, and Manufacturing team as well as the rest of Planet’s leading-edge spacecraft design teams.

This is a full-time, in-office role which will require you to work in our San Francisco HQ 5 days a week.

Impact You'll Own

• Own the mechanical design on key spacecraft subsystems across Planet’s satellite fleet
• Drive documentation and presentation of new designs throughout design phases and reviews
• Collaborate with structural analysis team to drive/perform analyses on key spacecraft subsystems to meet stiffness and strength requirements
• Drive part/assembly tolerancing using geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and own release of drawing packages for part fabrication
• Perform design and analysis responsibilities
• Drive part/assembly design and fabrication at key subsystem vendors
• Collaborate with manufacturing team to implement key spacecraft design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) features
• Support interface control document (ICD) development and size and develop interfaces for your subsystems
• Support test planning and qualification campaigns
• Support debugging and root-causing on-orbit anomalies and production
• Be hands on with flight and test hardware

What You Bring

• 6+ years experience owning products from requirements, through conceptual design, and into test and manufacturing
• Advanced in computer-aided design (CAD) software and Product Lifecycle Management software.
• Solid experience using GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 to generate good quality, low cost parts
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree
• Experience with design and fabrication of composites and metal components
• Hands-on experience with dynamic hardware builds, test plan creation, and hardware validation
• Ability to be self-motivated and responsible while working in a dynamic environment
• Excellent verbal and visual communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out

• 2+ years of experience designing mechanisms, electromechanical components, or solar arrays
• Experience designing products for low or mid volume serial production and have a good understanding of the tradeoffs between manufacturing methods for these volumes
• Ability to drive manufacturers and DFM/DFA
• Experience in optics/opto-mechanical hardware, mechanisms, structures, and/or electronics/RF packaging
• Machine shop experience fabricating or modifying parts (CNC Mill/Router, Mill, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D printer)
• Proficiency in Python, Matlab, and/or Visual Basic (VBA)

Application Deadline

February 6th, 2026, 11:59pm 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 Wor