Senior Camera Systems Engineer

Planet Labs PBC; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 205,800 - 257,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

Generous Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Planet Labs PBC is seeking a Senior Camera Hardware Engineer to lead as the electrical architect for satellite imaging payloads. This full-time, hybrid role based in San Francisco requires expertise in hardware design, especially for imaging systems, with 10+ years of experience.

The successful candidate will collaborate with various engineering teams and be responsible for high-speed data integrity and low-noise architecture. Benefits include comprehensive medical plans, generous paid time off, and equity.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in hardware design for imaging systems.
• Expertise in designing low-noise power delivery networks.
• Experience with FPGA-based signal processing.

Responsibilities

• Design high-speed PCBA architectures for camera payloads.
• Collaborate to define electrical specifications for sensors.
• Drive electrical requirements for precision sensor alignment.

Skills

CMOS sensor operation

Electrical engineering

Hardware design

High-speed data capture

Analog design

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

High-end oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Optical test equipment

Job description

About the Role

Planet seeks a Senior Camera Hardware Engineer to serve as the lead electrical architect for our satellite imaging payloads within the Electrical Engineering team. This role encompasses the complete electrical life cycle of our camera systems, including recommending the optimal image sensor, designing ultra‑low‑noise power rails, and guaranteeing high‑speed data integrity from the sensor to the FPGA. The engineer will collaborate closely with Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal and Optical engineers to optimize the entire optical payload (camera and telescope) to meet our mission requirements.

This is a full‑time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own

• Design and own the high‑speed PCBA architectures for next‑generation camera payloads, including sensor headboards and data acquisition systems.
• Collaborate with Payload Systems Engineers to define the electrical specification and selection of CMOS image sensors, focusing on quantum efficiency, full‑well capacity, and minimizing temporal/spatial noise.
• Architect low‑noise power delivery networks (PDN) and high‑speed differential signaling (LVDS/MIPI) to ensure pristine image data capture.
• Partner with Firmware/FPGA teams to optimize the Image Signal Processing pipeline, implementing hardware‑level calibration for dark current and defective pixels.
• Drive the electrical requirements for precision sensor alignment, including the design of flexible interconnects and thermal monitoring circuits that maintain focus across orbital temperature swings.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in hardware design, with a significant focus on digital/analog imaging systems and camera hardware.
• Expertise in CMOS sensor operation, including the ability to model and design practical solutions to minimize electronic noise.
• Hands‑on experience with high‑end oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and optical test equipment (monochromators, integrating spheres).
• Ability to navigate the trade‑offs between power consumption, thermal dissipation, and image SNR.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience with Earth observation payload specifications and remote sensing mission requirements.
• Experience designing electronics for the LEO environment, including knowledge of radiation mitigation and vacuum‑compatible design.
• Professional experience with FPGA‑based signal processing and high‑speed data serialization.
• Deep experience in precision analog design specifically for sensor biasing and high‑resolution ADC interfacing.

Application Deadline

June 4, 2026 at 11:59p PT

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

• 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

Compensation

San Francisco Salary Range: $205,800 – $257,200 USD

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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 [e-mail] or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.