Electro-Optical Systems Manager

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 headquartered in San Francisco, California, Earth.

Our Payload group is looking for a (Senior, Staff) Electro-Optical Systems Lead to join the team that is designing, building, and operating the largest optical imaging constellation ever deployed in space. We are responsible for system-level analysis, operations, simulations, and development for our earth observation payloads. Our team works at the intersection of hardware, software, and product engineering teams within the Space Systems Division. The role will appeal to candidates that enjoy the interchange between photography, optics, systems engineering, manufacturing, testing, and team building.

The role is responsible for:

• Leading a small team of optics and camera engineers, including providing mentorship and supervision.
• Design, modeling, and test planning for new optical payloads
• Improving the testing, calibration, and manufacturing of existing optical payloads
• Maintaining the R&D lab and advising the design of the manufacturing lab

Must Haves

• 5+ years of experience designing and testing airborne or space imaging payloads and/or telescopes.
• 5+ years in optical and opto-mechanical STOP analysis (Sigfit), particularly for small to mid-sized aperture telescopes
• Experience as the directly responsible individual on projects of significant scope and complexity, internally and with external vendors. 
• Experience managing/supervising small teams of engineers (<10 people)
• Practical experience in using optical metrology instrumentation (interferometers, wavefront sensors, collimators, monochromators, etc) to perform alignment, characterization, and MTF measurements for payload qualification and acceptance
• Experience with optical design software (Zemax, sequential and non-sequential)
• Practical experience with CMOS and CCD sensor technology
• Practical experience in working in cleanrooms and optical contamination/cleanliness.
• A passion for photography, earth sciences, and geography
• Hands-on can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively across many technical teams
• Experience with a variety of silicon and non-silicon imagers
• Experience leveraging scientific tools based in Python, MATLAB,  and/or C/C++ to advance design maturity and analyze system performance
• BS/MS in optics/instrumentation, physics, EE or relevant scientific/engineering field

Nice-to-haves

• 2+ years of experience in a technical leadership role
• Experience assessing, contracting, and managing vendors and partners
• Experience in TVAC testing with optical metrology
• PhD in optics/instrumentation, physics, EE or relevant scientific/engineering field
• Solid Machine Learning and Dynamical Systems foundation
• Experience in imaging systems from Visible to Thermal Infrared

Benefits While Working at Planet:

• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Wellness program and onsite massages in specific offices
• Flexible Time Off
• Recognition Programs
• Commuter Benefits
• Learning and Tuition Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Offsites and Happy Hours
• Volunteering Benefits

Some Press About Us: 

Our CEO, Will Marshall featured on TED and featured in a Planet Blog

“Planet: Bringing Space Back Down to Earth”

Tiny, privately owned satellites are changing how we view the Earth features in NBC News

“Planet And Rocket Lab Create Mission Patch To Honor Women In Aerospace” —Planet Blog

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 with diversity, equity and inclusion.  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.