Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

Planet; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company that is revolutionizing space technology and data solutions. As a propulsion engineer, you will play a crucial role in the design, integration, and testing of cutting-edge propulsion systems for satellites. This hybrid position allows you to work closely with a talented team in a dynamic environment, where your contributions will directly impact the success of innovative space missions. If you are passionate about aerospace engineering and eager to tackle complex challenges, this opportunity is perfect for you. Be part of a mission-driven organization that values diversity and inclusion, and take your career to new heights.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution

Generous Paid Time Off

16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave

Remote-friendly work environment

Wellness Program

Home Office Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement

Equity

Commuter Benefits

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in propulsion systems and testing.
• Hands-on experience with propulsion system components and environmental testing.

Responsibilities

• Support the Acceptance, Testing, and Integration of satellite propulsion systems.
• Coordinate environmental test campaigns and manage vendors.

Skills

HET assembly and testing experience

Experience with electric propulsion thrusters

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Attention to detail

Experience working with cross-functional teams

Experience resolving routine issues

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Thermal air chamber

TVAC chambers

Power supplies

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Solidworks CAD

G-Suite

Jira

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 worldwide 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 propulsion engineer is needed for supporting a variety of design, integration and environmental testing activities at component, subsystems and system level. This includes operating a random vibration table, shock table, thermal air as well as Thermal and Vacuum. You will be building, improving and running procedures to build both ground support equipment and Flight hardware.

You will be responsible for the integration and testing of propulsion systems that involve thrusters and PPU with the current satellite constellation. You will be accountable for the successful completion of the deliverables and for the management of the propulsion system vendors. Your responsibilities will include the testing and implementation of a variety of modifications to the propulsion system components to varying degrees of customization. You will be responsible for the management of various vendors and the selection of the most suitable ones in accordance with the company's needs. You will be leading the environment testing of all components of the propulsion system for optimal operation. The environment testing will involve operation of thrusters at high vacuum condition lifetime tests and vibration testing. One of the primary objectives of the position will be the performance evaluation of the propulsion system for flight qualification. Your responsibilities will encompass the in-house production and testing of components, such as the pressure feed system, feed system design, thruster mounting plate, thruster components etc.

This is a full-time, hybrid position working in our San Francisco headquarters at least 3 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Support the Acceptance, Testing and Integration (AI&T) line of Planet Next satellite constellation
• Coordinate and lead the execution of environmental test campaigns for propulsion system
• Participate in the planning and coordination of test campaigns
• Qualification testing of propulsion system
• Functional and environmental testing support for HETs and PPUs
• Test fixture development/requirements for the propulsion system
• 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 at our San Francisco HQ 3+ days/week
• 4+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience working with test equipment such as Thermal air chamber, TVAC chambers, power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes
• HET assembly and testing experience in high vacuum operating environment
• Experience with operation of electric propulsion thrusters such as HETs
• Able to juggle multiple tasks and make quality decisions without negative impact on others
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to achieve desired results
• Experience with Engineering Documentation Control, G-Suite, Jira
• Experience resolving routine issues and escalates other issues to the appropriate individual in a timely manner
• Superior attention for detail and passion for quality
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with propulsion system components
• Open to travel within the United States and outside of the United States

What Makes you Stand Out:

• Proficiency in using Solidworks CAD

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
• 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)

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 - $160,500 USD

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.

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.