Mechanical Ground Support Equipment 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: At Planet, we launch spacecrafts early and often. From technology demonstrators to operational constellations, exceptional engineers are needed to design, manufacture, test and launch spacecrafts. As a Mechanical GSE engineer, you will join a small team of dedicated engineers playing a key role in the advent of several platforms. Focused on the upbringing of our payloads and buses, you will work closely with our qualification engineers and our electro-optics engineers in developing their Ground Support Equipment, from design and analysis to assembly and test. You will also have opportunities to lead derisk activities related to environmental and mechanical stress. The ideal candidate has a technical understanding of mechanical and optical basic principles applied to aerospace, is curious and creative and wants to be involved with hardware and problems solving. To be successful in this role, the candidate should enjoy hands-on work, thrive in ambiguity, and be able to lead their own projects into completion. Coming from a fast paced, aerospace environment, having completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key teams, will be a plus. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco office 5 days per week. Impact You'll Own: Design and validate test fixtures and Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Understand needs and requirements for satellite sub-systems, especially optical payloads. Create, develop and test innovative mechanical solutions and testing methods. Use 3D CAD software to model test fixtures and GSE equipment. Run structural FEA. Populate 2D drawings GD&T compliant. Supervise and assist with procurement, machining, assembly and proofloading operations. Perform hands-on operations like GSE and instrumentation setup, etc. Implement continuous improvement and process development: Own GSE design through its lifetime to support failures identification, anomalies, root causes investigations, and drive issues to resolution. Assist in analyzing and reviewing data using numerical data analysis tools to interpret test results and ensure that the hardware operates as expected. Identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement. Document and develop communication: Keep detailed notes of tests, specimens and anomalies. Report test results, providing recommendations for design modifications or improvements. Produce design documentation to communicate design intent, usability, operations, and maintenance of new products to internal customers. What You Bring: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Opto-mechanics Engineering or Electro-Mechanics/Robotics Engineering. 4+ years of relevant work experience. Creation of successful Ground Support Equipment (GSE) or related structural designs. Understanding of mechanical engineering first principles and practical application of theoretical methods. Ability to solve complex problems related to modeling, analysis, and verification. Familiarity with best practices for designing robust mechanical solutions as well as notions of designing for manufacturing using Solidworks CAD or equivalent. Proficiency in creating engineering drawings and GD&T. Proficiency in structural static stress analysis for multi-body systems, including modal analysis. Familiarity with FEA software, like Solidworks Simulation, Ansys or equivalent. Understanding of material properties, force definitions, boundary conditions, mesh analysis, and FEA verification techniques. Data analysis skills for evaluating system performance and identifying anomalies. Proficiency in developing test procedures, as well as general manufacturing workflows. Interest in prototyping, rapid iteration and agile processes. Knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining and assembly practices. Ability to be hands-on, bringing your projects all the way to assembly and test. Occasional travel should be expected as part of testing and integration operations. What Makes You Stand Out: Basic knowledge of optics, optical instruments, and interferometry, with experience in designing tooling, jigs, fixtures, and kinematic mounts for optical assemblies. Ability to take on challenges beyond one’s field of expertise or comfort zone. Experience in working in a machine shop. Experience in environmental test qualification and environmental derisk activities, running and managing test projects involving Instron, vibration shakers, thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, shock machine, etc. Application Deadline: March 10, 2026 at 11:59pm PT 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 $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. 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. AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a Planet AI Notetaker for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy. Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.