Electrical Engineer

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

Join a team doing what's rarely done: blending the rigor of aerospace with the speed and scale of mass production. In this role, you'll have end-to-end ownership of the hardware that powers Planet's satellites. You will design, optimize, and validate the critical electrical, data, and embedded systems that are the brains of our spacecraft. This includes pushing your PCBAs to their limits in testing to ensure they are ready for the harsh environment of space. If you're an engineer excited by the idea of seeing your personal design work launch on a rocket and begin its mission in orbit, this is the role for you.

This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week. This role will also require up to 25% travel to our Berlin office.

Impact You'll Own

• Lead electrical design of analog, power and mixed signal subsystems from requirements through architecture and detailed design
• Execute schematic capture, power/signal integrity simulations; guides and reviews layout design
• Design harnesses, including component selection, signal definition, coordination with mechanical engineering to define lengths, and generation of fabrication drawings
• Validates and debugs designs during bring-up; supports integration testing
• Develop power supply designs, conducts power integrity checks, and ensures design for EMC
• Deliver analog and mixed signal designs, including interfaces to thermal systems, sensors, and actuators
• Collaborate with manufacturing and qualification teams to develop tests at satellite factories

What You Bring

• 2+ years experience in taking designs from schematics to manufacturing
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field
• Experience with power converter, analog, and mixed signal PCB design
• Experience with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters
• Proficient solder rework skills
• Comfortable with embedded systems and peripheral interfaces (e.g, I2C, SPI, USB, CAN, Ethernet, etc)
• Decision-making capability regarding design and implementation

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience with Altium tools for PCB design
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python

Application Deadline

• 11:45p / 23:45 PT on the date stated below.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received.
• For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.

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—$142,700 USD