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 Structural Analyst 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 analysis efforts, from the subsystem level, all the way up to the top-level spacecraft. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned structural analyst who has led subsystem derisk and validation efforts on development teams 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, Electro-Optical Team, and Manufacturing as well as the rest of Planet’s leading-edge spacecraft design teams.

This role requires you to be in our San Francisco office 5 days a week.

Impact You'll Own:

Own the structural analysis effort on key spacecraft subsystems across Planet’s satellite fleet
Drive documentation and presentation of new designs, trade studies, and breakout models throughout design phases and reviews
Collaborate with design team to drive / perform analyses on key spacecraft subsystems to meet stiffness, strength, and performance requirements
Manage vendors to ensure components meet stringent survival and performance requirements
Support ICD development and size and develop interfaces for your subsystems
Drive test planning and qualification campaigns
Support debugging and root-causing test and on-orbit anomalies
Be hands on with flight and test hardware
Break hardware as part of our hardware in the loop design paradigm
Validation of Models thru testing and model correlation

What You Bring:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree
4+ years of relevant work experience
2+ years of analyzing spacecraft, aircraft, and/or precision optical components
Experience with structural analysis methods including classical hand calculations and experience with mechanical joints
Experience using Finite Element Software/Solvers (NASTRAN preferred) to analyze components for survival
Proficiency generating high quality FEMs with appropriate detail to answer question with the accuracy required
Experience using computer-aided design (CAD) software
Experience setting up models and analyzing components for Static Environments and Stiffness
Excellent understanding in strength of materials and failure modes
Ability to be self-motivated and responsible while working in a dynamic environment
Outstanding verbal and visual communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out:

Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree
4+ years experience owning analysis of products from requirements generation, thru conceptual design, and into test and manufacturing
Proficiency with Femap, NASTRAN, and/or Hypermesh
Experience Performing Dynamic Environments Analysis (e.g. random/sine vibe, shock)
Experience generating test specifications for dynamics environments (random/sine vibe)
Experience presenting analysis results in design reviews
Excellent understanding of NASA 5020 fastener analysis
Bonded Joint Analysis and model validation
Coupon design and testing experience
Hands-on experience with dynamic hardware builds, vibration and shock testing
Experience with design, analysis, and fabrication of composites and metallic components
Machine shop experience fabricating or modifying parts (CNC Mill/Router, Mill, Lathe, Laser Cutter, 3D printer)
Experience analyzing and testing jitter impacts on optical systems
Structural Thermo-Optical Performance (STOP) Analysis Experience
Demonstrated process improvement and task automation experience
Proficiency in Python, Matlab, and/or Visual Basic (VBA)

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.

San Francisco Salary Range

$128,400 - $160,500USD

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 with diversity, equity and inclusion. 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 accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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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.