Planet · 2 days ago
Mechanical Ground Support Equipment Engineer
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$128K/yr - $160K/yr
4+ years expPlanet is a company that designs, builds, and operates a large constellation of imaging satellites. They are seeking a Mechanical Ground Support Equipment Engineer to join a team responsible for designing, manufacturing, testing, and launching spacecrafts, specifically focusing on Ground Support Equipment for satellite sub-systems.
AerospaceAnalyticsBig DataGeospatialRemote SensingSoftware
Responsibilities
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
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
Company
Planet
Planet is an aerospace and data analytics company that builds small satellites and delivers information about the changing planet.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Planet has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2022 (5)
2021 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.03BKey Investors
BlackRockBloombergNEFPrelude Ventures
2025-09-09Post Ipo Debt· $460M
2021-12-08Post Ipo Equity· $200M
2021-12-08IPO
Leadership Team
Will Marshall
Co-Founder & CEO
Robbie Schingler
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer
Recent News
2025-12-12
2025-12-11
Company data provided by crunchbase