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 New Product Introduction (NPI) Team is responsible for developing and scaling the assembly, integration, and test operations for our next generation of satellites. The manufacturing technicians and engineers on the team work together to establish the overall processes and work instructions for assembling and testing satellites from the component level through final spacecraft integration. As a member of the NPI team, you will collaborate closely with design engineers, test engineers, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and delivery of spacecraft. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on work in building and testing complex products and take a methodical approach to manufacturing operations. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week. Impact You'll Own:
- Support the introduction of new Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) products for satellite subassemblies
- Develop/document test procedures and work instructions
- Maintain/update test procedures and work instructions as designs are revised or when necessary to address quality issues
- Work with quality team to drive non-conformances to resolution and establish actionable process improvements to minimize repeating issues on future builds
- Participate in training of production technicians to transition the manufacturing line from R&D to production
- Provide DFM/DFA/DFT recommendations to design teams
- Act as a "production supervisor" to ensure alignment between manufacturing and supply chain material needs and overall schedule to meet flight deadlines
- Monitor production metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions
- Qualify and develop vendors for custom PCBA manufacturing via various types of communication (e-mail correspondence, conference calls, in person visits, etc.)
- Evaluate supplier surface mount technology (SMT) capability, inspection equipment, and methodologies
What You Bring:
- 4+ years of experience building and testing hardware that utilize or interface with PCBAs
- Experience working with or at a PCBA assembly house
- Knowledge of PCB assembly and test processes including an understanding of SMT equipment and process, PCB/PCBA drawings, and other files such as pick and place
- Basic knowledge of PCBA-related mechanical hardware (housings, supports, shielding, heat sinks, etc.)
- Familiarity with Altium or other PCB Design software
- Hands-on experience with hardware assembly, integration, and test
- Medium to high volume production experience in a relevant industry consumer goods, automotive, etc.
- Industrial engineering experience identifying and executing process improvements
- Experience organizing and tracking material through process flows
- Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals internal or external to the company
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience integrating PCBAs into satellites or similarly complex optical and electromechanical assemblies in a cleanroom environment
- Experience developing electrical equipment and test stations to aid with PCBA testing
- Understanding of various types of PCB stack-ups including rigid-flex and HDI
- Experience assembling boards with various types of connectors including RF, cell phone/wearables sized, and larger types like micro-d and circular
- IPC 610 certified
- Experience implementing successful continuous improvement processes
- Experience gathering, analyzing, and using data to drive systemic improvements
- Experience creating manufacturing flow diagrams and factory layouts to optimize assembly and test processes
- Experience with Jira, Altium, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
Application Deadline: September 11, 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT 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
- 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
$114,200
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$142,700 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. 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. Privacy Policy: By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein. 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. |
Planet Labs PBC
parental leave, paid time off, tuition reimbursement
Jun 25, 2025