Senior Mechanical Engineer, Deployable Solar Arrays

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Deployable Solar Arrays The Mechanical Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and manufacturing of spacecraft subsystems for Planet's fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, collaborating across teams to ensure robust, manufacturable, and flight-ready hardware. Key Responsibilities Design and develop spacecraft subsystems from conceptual to manufacturing and testing stages Drive documentation, presentation, and review of new spacecraft designs Collaborate with structural analysis team to ensure subsystems meet stiffness and strength requirements Create and release detailed drawings and tolerances for part fabrication Assist in test planning, qualification campaigns, and hardware validation Troubleshoot and root cause on-orbit anomalies and production issues Work hands‑on with flight hardware and test hardware Requirements 10 years experience owning products from requirements, through conceptual and detailed component design, and into test and manufacturing 2 years specifically in deployable solar array design including panel architecture and trades, mechanisms design, and prototype, qualification, and productionization of all hardware Experience with design and fabrication of composites, photovoltaics, and metal components Experience with high level architecture design, developing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), managing requirements and budgets for a subassembly Experience with dynamic hardware builds, test plan creation, and hardware validation Advanced in computer-aided design (CAD) software and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software Solid experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD T) and ANSI Y14.5 to generate good quality, low cost parts Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree Ability to be self‑motivated and responsible while working in a dynamic environment Excellent verbal and visual communication skills Experience designing mechanisms, electromechanical components, or primary/secondary structures for at least 2 years Experience designing products for low or mid volume serial production with a good understanding of the tradeoffs between manufacturing methods for these volumes Ability to drive manufacturers and implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles Proficiency in Python, Matlab, and/or Visual Basic (VBA) applications Ability to access export‑controlled information without requiring additional export licensing, as this position requires compliance with EAR ITAR regulations 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 Paid Time Off for Volunteering Discretionary short‑term and long‑term incentives, bonus, and equity Salary range of $182,900 - $228,600 USD (dependent on experience, skills, location) #J-18808-Ljbffr NextGenEnergyJobs