Senior Quality Engineer

Planet Labs PBC; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Labs PBC in San Francisco is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to support our manufacturing facility. You will implement QMS, drive process improvement, and partner with the Quality Engineer Lead to elevate product reliability across operations.

You will mentor technicians, work with design, manufacturing, test and supply chain teams, perform root-cause analysis, lead PFMEA sessions, and help prepare for audits to deliver KPIs and solid quality data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations.
• 2+ years hands-on experience as a quality technician or inspection engineer.
• Ability to support Quality Leads/Managers in managing quality workflows, technician activities, and QMS initiatives.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems (implementation and audit support preferred).
• Exceptional ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficiency with precision tools including calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, height gauges, dial indicators, and CMM/optical comparator tools.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, root‑cause methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Familiarity with Cal/OSHA health and safety regulations within manufacturing settings.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Microsoft Office, ERP/QMS platforms, and technical documentation tools.

Responsibilities

• Implement Quality Management Systems (QMS) with the Quality Engineer Lead to maintain, audit, and improve the system.
• Guide, train, and mentor quality technicians on inspection techniques, blueprints, and SOPs.
• Prepare for audits and deliver KPIs; compile quality metrics and present monthly management reviews.
• Develop standardized inspection protocols for incoming materials, in‑process testing, and final release criteria.
• Provide hands‑on quality engineering support to production to resolve line‑side non‑conformances.
• Monitor quality metrics and dashboards for leadership visibility (yield, scrap, COPQ).
• Lead Lean Kaizen events and cross‑functional feedback loops to optimize processes.
• Lead PFMEA sessions with engineering to identify risks and strengthen controls.
• Reduce waste and improve process capability (Cpk).
• Perform technical root‑cause analyses (8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone) for supplier and in‑line failures.
• Execute MRB processes and coordinate with supply chain on SCARs.
• Author, review, and update inspection guides, SOPs, and quality control plans.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality system knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMM/optical comparator tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Dial indicators

Job description

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:

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Quality Engineer to support the implementation of our quality management systems and drive process design and continuous improvement in our San Francisco manufacturing facility. In this role, you will work in close partnership with the Quality Engineer Lead to execute strategic quality objectives, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product reliability across our manufacturing operations.

You will collaborate with a small team of quality technicians while interfacing daily with cross-functional teams including product design engineers, manufacturing personnel, test/maintenance teams, and supply chain. In addition to driving process improvement, you will remain actively engaged in hands‑on quality inspection, root‑cause analysis, and shop‑floor troubleshooting, ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge about our parts and products. This role will appeal to individuals who enjoy strategic problem‑solving, operational rigor, and mentoring others.

This is a full‑time, in‑office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Implement Quality Management Systems: Partner directly with the Quality Engineer Lead to implement, maintain, and audit comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Guide and Mentor Technicians: Guide, train, and mentor quality technicians on advanced inspection techniques, blueprints, and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare for Audits and Deliver KPIs: Support internal and external vendor audit preparation, compile quality KPIs, and deliver monthly management review presentations with leadership.
• Develop Standardized Inspection Protocols: Develop and refine standardized procedures for incoming raw material inspections, in‑process testing, and final product release criteria.
• Provide Daily Production Support: Provide immediate, hands‑on quality engineering support to production teams to resolve line‑side manufacturing non‑conformances.
• Monitor Quality Metrics & Dashboards: Monitor quality metrics (yield, scrap, COPQ), track defect trends, and maintain real‑time performance dashboards for quality leadership visibility.
• Optimize Manufacturing Processes: Optimize manufacturing processes from inception to validation by leading and participating in Lean Kaizen events, gap analyses, and cross‑functional feedback loops.
• Execute Risk Assessments (FMEA): Lead Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) sessions alongside engineering teams to proactively identify risks and strengthen process controls.
• Reduce Waste and Improve Capability: Identify operational waste, improve overall process capability (Cpk), and reduce the cost‑of‑poor‑quality (COPQ).
• Perform Technical Root‑Cause Analysis: Perform technical inspections and perform root‑cause analysis (8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone) to resolve complex supplier and in‑line failures.
• Execute Nonconforming Material (MRB) Process: Execute the nonconforming material (MRB) process, dispositioning defective parts and collaborating with supply chain on vendor corrective action requests (5‑Why/8D SCARs).
• Author Technical Inspection Documentation: Author, review, and update technical inspection guides, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality control plans.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience working as a quality technician or inspection engineer.
• Ability to support Quality Leads/Managers in managing quality workflows, technician activities, and QMS initiatives.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems (implementation and audit support experience preferred).
• Exceptional ability to read and interpret complex mechanical engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Highly proficient with precision tools including calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, height gauges, dial indicators, and CMM/optical comparator tools.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, root‑cause methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Familiarity with Cal/OSHA health and safety regulations within manufacturing settings.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Microsoft Office, ERP/QMS platforms, and technical documentation tools.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) and/or ASQ Certification (CQE, CQA, CQM).
• Experience establishing or scaling quality functions within high‑growth hardware or startup environments.
• High desire and aptitude to support Quality Leads/Managers while coaching and growing junior technicians.
• Success in executing root‑cause countermeasures that yield measurable quality and yield improvements.

Application Deadline:

December 1, 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time)

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