Planet Labs
Senior Quality Engineer at Planet Labs in San Francisco, CA
Job Description
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:
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Quality Engineer to support the implementation of our quality management systems and drive process design and continuous improvement in our San Francisco manufacturing facility. In this role, you will work in close partnership with the Quality Engineer Lead to execute strategic quality objectives, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product reliability across our manufacturing operations.
You will collaborate with a small team of quality technicians while interfacing daily with cross-functional teams including product design engineers, manufacturing personnel, test/maintenance teams, and supply chain. In addition to driving process improvement, you will remain actively engaged in hands-on quality inspection, root-cause analysis, and shop-floor troubleshooting, ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge about our parts and products. This role will appeal to individuals who enjoy strategic problem-solving, operational rigor, and mentoring others.
This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.
Impact You'll Own:
- Implement Quality Management Systems: Partner directly with the Quality Engineer Lead to implement, maintain, and audit comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- Guide and Mentor Technicians: Guide, train, and mentor quality technicians on advanced inspection techniques, blueprints, and standard operating procedures.
- Prepare for Audits and Deliver KPIs: Support internal and external vendor audit preparation, compile quality KPIs, and deliver monthly management review presentations with leadership.
- Develop Standardized Inspection Protocols: Develop and refine standardized procedures for incoming raw material inspections, in-process testing, and final product release criteria.
- Provide Daily Production Support: Provide immediate, hands-on quality engineering support to production teams to resolve line-side manufacturing non-conformances.
- Monitor Quality Metrics & Dashboards: Monitor quality metrics (yield, scrap, COPQ), track defect trends, and maintain real-time performance dashboards for quality leadership visibility.
- Optimize Manufacturing Processes: Optimize manufacturing processes from inception to validation by leading and participating in Lean Kaizen events, gap analyses, and cross-functional feedback loops.
- Execute Risk Assessments (FMEA): Lead Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) sessions alongside engineering teams to proactively identify risks and strengthen process controls.
- Reduce Waste and Improve Capability: Identify operational waste, improve overall process capability (Cpk), and reduce the cost-of-poor-quality (COPQ).
- Perform Technical Root-Cause Analysis: Perform technical inspections and perform root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) to resolve complex supplier and in-line failures.
- Execute Nonconforming Material (MRB) Process: Execute the nonconforming material (MRB) process, dispositioning defective parts and collaborating with supply chain on vendor corrective action requests (5-Why/8D SCARs).
- Author Technical Inspection Documentation: Author, review, and update technical inspection guides, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality control plans.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations.
- 2+ years of hands-on experience working as a quality technician or inspection engineer.
- Ability to support Quality Leads/Managers in managing quality workflows, technician activities, and QMS initiatives.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems (implementation and audit support experience preferred).
- Exceptional ability to read and interpret complex mechanical engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Highly proficient with precision tools including calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, height gauges, dial indicators, and CMM/optical comparator tools.
- Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, root-cause methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
- Familiarity with Cal/OSHA health and safety regulations within manufacturing settings.
- Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Microsoft Office, ERP/QMS platforms, and technical documentation tools.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) and/or ASQ Certification (CQE, CQA, CQM).
- Experience establishing or scaling quality functions within high-growth hardware or startup environments.
- High desire and aptitude to support Quality Leads/Managers while coaching and growing junior technicians.
- Success in executing root-cause countermeasures that yield measurable quality and yield improvements.
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time)
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.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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 accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.
Privacy Policy: By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.
Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.
AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a "Planet AI Notetaker" for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.
Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.