About the Role:  

As an Optical Technician you will execute ground-based optical payload testing in collaboration with satellite manufacturing, camera operations, calibration and other system engineers in helping test, manufacture, develop and troubleshoot telescopes and camera assemblies for our constellations. 

The ideal candidate will have an excellent affinity for working with and building Optical telescopes and Camera systems demonstrating familiarity with Zemax as well as common optical metrology/alignment techniques for both build and troubleshooting purposes. The person for this role needs excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and a desire for continuous on-the-job learning. You will debug problems in complex systems, data analysis and follow key instructions. 

This is a full-time position and is required to be on-site in our San Francisco HQ 5 days a week.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Test and characterization of telescopes and cameras for image quality and radiometric performance. 
• Execute detailed test procedures and accurately record/prepare test results and data analysis. 
• Assemble opto-mechanical and electrical test fixtures and setups to facilitate product testing. 
• Ability to proficiently handle, measure, and clean optical components
• Maintain and troubleshoot test equipment and set up optical test stations.
• Develop stable, repeatable and automated testing capabilities.
• Work closely with engineers to support project development work. 
• Report status, present data in a meaningful way  on a regular basis. 
• You will work independently as well with your team. 

What You Bring:

• Excellent knowledge of imaging optics (testing telescopes and cameras).
• Good understanding of optical alignment, image quality metrics, camera calibration and radiometry.
• Experience with radiometric and MTF calculations; the use of interferometers, wavefront sensors, monochromators, collimators, power meters, light sources and integrating spheres
• Experience with mechanical tools and fixtures
• Excellent  debugging for opto-mechanical and electrical systems
• Ability to execute and develop complex, detailed test procedures 
• Familiarity with proper laboratory safety and manufacturing best practices in a cleanroom environment
• Impeccable organization skills are required
• Experience working  with cross-functional technical engineering teams  
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic software development and/or lab automation (Python, microcontrollers, etc)

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Educational background in Optical Engineering (or relevant experience) required (AS/BS preferred)
• Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries. 
• Advanced knowledge of Opto-mechanical  testing (Telescopes, focal planes, camera, cable/ harness assemblies).
• Experience bonding optics with RTV & Epoxy
• Experience with collecting large amounts of data, data storage and data manipulation. 
• Able to effectively contribute to a dynamic and often fast-paced, high-pressure work environment. 
• Competency in mechanical assemblies, soldering PCBs and proficiency in reading both electrical drawings & schematics.

Application Deadline:

June 9, 2025 by 11:45pm 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
• 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

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.