Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer

About the Role:

Here at Planet Labs, we launch spacecraft early and often. From Technology Demonstrations to operational constellations, we're designing, manufacturing and launching record-breaking numbers of spacecraft. An exceptional propulsion engineer is needed for supporting a variety of design, integration and environmental testing activities at component, subsystems and system level. This includes operating a random vibration table, shock table, thermal air as well as Thermal and Vacuum. You will be building, improving and running procedures to build both ground support equipment and Flight hardware. 

You will be responsible for the integration and testing of propulsion systems that involve thrusters and PPU with the current satellite constellation. You will be accountable for the successful completion of the deliverables and for the management of the propulsion system vendors. Your responsibilities will include the testing and implementation of a variety of modifications to the propulsion system components to varying degrees of customization. You will be responsible for the management of various vendors and the selection of the most suitable ones in accordance with the company's needs. You will be leading the environment testing of all components of the propulsion system for optimal operation. The environment testing will involve operation of thrusters at high vacuum condition lifetime tests and vibration testing. One of the primary objectives of the position will be the performance evaluation of the propulsion system for flight qualification. Your responsibilities will encompass the in-house production and testing of components, such as the pressure feed system, feed system design, thruster mounting plate, thruster components etc.  

This is a full-time, hybrid position working in our San Francisco headquarters at least 3 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Support the Acceptance, Testing and & Integration (AI&T) line of Planet Next satellite constellation
• Coordinate and lead the execution of environmental test campaigns for propulsion system
• Participate in the planning and coordination of test campaigns
• Qualification testing of propulsion system 
• Functional and environmental testing support for HETs and PPUs
• Test fixture development/requirements for the propulsion system
• Environmental Lab maintenance
• Design and test equipment and infrastructure for the transportation of spacecraft and subsystems
• Implement 5s methodology in the qual lab and model shop
• Design, assemble and test the tools & equipment required to support spacecraft launch integration
• Support Launch Integration

What You Bring:

• Ability to work at our San Francisco HQ 3+ days/week
• 4+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience working with test equipment such as Thermal air chamber, TVAC chambers, power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes
• HET assembly and testing experience in high vacuum operating environment
• Experience with operation of electric propulsion thrusters such as HETs
• Able to juggle multiple tasks and make quality decisions without negative impact on others
• Experience working with a cross-functional teams to achieve desired results
• Experience with Engineering Documentation Control, G-Suite, Jira
• Experience resolving routine issues and escalates other issues to the appropriate individual in a timely manner
• Superior attention for detail and passion for quality
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with propulsion system components
• Open to travel within the United States and outside of the United States

What Makes you Stand Out: 

• Proficiency in using Solidworks CAD   

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*:

• 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
• Remote-friendly work environment 
• 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

*These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy

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.