Quality Engineer Lead

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: We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Manufacturing Quality Engineer Lead to oversee the implementation of our quality management systems and drive process design and improvements. This role combines engineering expertise with leadership skills to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability in our manufacturing operations. You will lead a small team of quality technicians, while also working closely with cross-functional teams including product design engineers, manufacturing personnel, test/maintenance teams, and supply chain. In addition to process improvement, you’ll remain actively engaged in hands-on quality inspection and troubleshooting, ensuring a strong foundation of knowledge about our parts and products. This role will appeal to individuals who enjoy both strategic problem-solving and mentoring others. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our Berlin office 5 days per week. Impact You’ll Own: Develop and manage comprehensive quality systems, including standards for incoming inspections and ongoing production performance. Optimize manufacturing processes from inception to validation by leading Lean KAIZEN events, performing gap analyses, and establishing cross-functional feedback loops. Execute hands-on inspections and troubleshooting to resolve supplier and in-line quality failures, while managing nonconforming materials (MRB) and vendor audit processes. Drive continuous improvement by monitoring quality metrics, leading management reviews, and communicating performance through detailed dashboards. Provide daily production quality support and lead risk assessments (FMEA) to ensure robust documentation and improved product reliability. What You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations, of which 2+ years is of hands-on experience as a quality technician. Mechanical aptitude and experience working in manufacturing environments. Familiarity with OSHA health and safety regulations. Working knowledge of ISO9001, AS9100, or similar quality systems (implementation and audit experience preferred). Ability to write and update inspection guides and standard operating procedures. Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to communicate quality issues effectively. Skilled in reading and interpreting mechanical drawings. Proficient with basic and precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, etc.). Exceptional knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and 5S. Proficiency in using Google Docs, Sheets, and other standard documentation tools. What Makes You Stand Out: Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) ASQ certification Experience building and leading quality functions in manufacturing environments. Experience in a start-up manufacturing setting. Ability to quickly learn and apply new engineering concepts. Experience successfully implementing continuous improvement processes. Ability to mentor and coach others to achieve their full potential. Application Deadline: October 6, 2026 at 11:59p PT Export Control Requirements: Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. 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. Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off Employee Wellness Program Home Office Reimbursement Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning Equity Volunteering Paid Time Off San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 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 currently use Metaview 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.