Optical Technician

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:

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 position is required to be on-site in our San Francisco HQ full time 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.
• 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.

What You Bring:

• 4+ years of experience working with optics& optical assemblies
• 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 with RTV & Epoxy
• Experience with collecting large amounts of data, data storage and data manipulation.
• Ability to effectively contribute to a dynamic, high-pressure work environment.
• Competency in mechanical assemblies, soldering PCBs and proficiency in reading both electrical drawings & schematics.

Application Deadline:

July 15, 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT

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
• 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.

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 [email protected] or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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