Senior Optical Engineer at Planet

San Francisco, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Space Technology, Earth ObservationIndustries

Requirements

6-8 years of total relevant experience, such as airborne or space-based imaging payloads, cameras, or telescopes
3+ years relevant experience in assembly, integration, alignment, and test of optical instruments, telescopes, and/or optics in fields such as defense, aerospace, automotive, biomedical, or related
Experience leveraging scientific tools based in Zemax, MATLAB, Python and/or C/C++ to advance design maturity and analyze system performance
Hands-on, can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
First hand experience working with external vendors, suppliers, and integrators
Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries

Responsibilities

Coordinating and executing key optical manufacturing activities, such as optical metrology and alignment activities for telescope and sensor integration and troubleshooting
Understanding and executing warm and cold alignment and performance testing of imaging spectrometers, telescopes, and end-to-end instruments
Writing test plans and performing analysis of measured data for alignment and calibration of imaging systems
Developing and expanding upon test software and electrical ground support equipment (GSE) for the characterization and automation of alignment and performance testing
Coordinating and performing optomechanical manufacturing activities, such as bonding and fixturing
Organize and participate in integration & test activities in cleanroom environments
Leading the continued design, manufacturing, testing, and operation of advanced imaging payloads
Collaborating with external partners to transfer advanced imaging expertise into Planet to establish a vibrant and financially sustainable platform
Providing technical oversight of external vendors

Skills

Optical Engineering

Electro-Optical Systems

Telescope Design

Camera Design

Imaging Payloads

Hardware Integration

Assembly Integration Testing

Earth Observation

Sensor Technology

Planet

High-resolution satellite imagery subscription service

About Planet

Planet captures high-resolution satellite images of the Earth using a fleet of small satellites called Doves. These satellites provide near-daily, detailed imagery across eight different bands, allowing clients to monitor environmental changes, manage resources, plan urban developments, and respond to disasters. The company operates on a subscription-based model, giving clients access to a vast library of images and data analytics tools. This approach ensures consistent revenue as clients require ongoing updates. Planet differentiates itself by offering customized solutions and educational resources through Planet School, helping users effectively utilize their platform. The goal of Planet is to be a leader in the geospatial intelligence market, providing valuable insights through frequent and detailed Earth observation.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2010Year Founded

$617.1MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Data & Analytics, AerospaceIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Sabbatical Leave

Remote Work Options

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Home Office Stipend

Phone/Internet Stipend

Tuition Reimbursement

Equity

Commuter Benefits

Volunteering Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Antaris threatens market share.

Recent layoffs may impact operational efficiency and innovation.

Expansion of partnerships may stretch resources, reducing service quality.

Differentiation

Planet operates the largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites globally.

Their subscription model ensures continuous revenue from diverse sectors.

Planet's AI-driven analytics enhance satellite imagery insights significantly.

Upsides

AI-driven analytics can expand into agriculture and urban planning sectors.

Partnerships with platforms like UP42 enhance data offerings and capabilities.

Smart city management using satellite data offers new revenue streams.

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