Manufacturing Engineer

About Planet

Planet operates the largest satellite imaging constellation ever built, generating unparalleled empirical data through a cutting-edge cloud platform. This data supports users worldwide, ranging from commercial enterprises to environmental and humanitarian sectors. Combining expertise in hardware design, manufacturing, data science, and software development, Planet's diverse teams collaborate globally from offices including Berlin, San Francisco, Washington DC, and several European locations.

Role Overview

The New Product Introduction (NPI) team at Planet is charged with establishing and scaling the assembly, integration, and testing phases for next-gen satellites. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will work hands-on alongside technicians and engineers to create assembly workflows, testing protocols, and design custom tooling. Collaboration with design and test engineers will ensure smooth delivery and quality compliance of spacecraft. This position is based full-time onsite at Planet's Berlin Manufacturing Hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in assembly, integration, and testing activities for satellites and subsystems.
• Create and maintain documentation for assembly procedures and work instructions.
• Design mechanical and electrical fixtures to facilitate assembly and testing processes.
• Investigate and resolve product non-conformities and propose process enhancements.
• Suggest upgrades to facilities and capital equipment to support scalable manufacturing outputs.
• Train production technicians to transition manufacturing lines from research to production phases.
• Provide design for manufacturing and assembly feedback to design teams.
• Track production metrics, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective measures.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 4 years relevant experience, preferably in satellite or complex optical and electromechanical product assembly within cleanroom environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings and schematics.
• Advanced skills in SolidWorks for developing tooling and extracting assembly views.
• Practical experience in hardware assembly, integration, and testing with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong technical writing capabilities for documenting manufacturing and testing procedures.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.

Additional Information and Terms

This role requires compliance with U.S. and German/EU export control regulations, with employment contingent on the ability to access controlled information without additional licensing.

Application Deadline: September 3, 2026, 23:59 CET.

Employee Benefits

• Paid time off, including holidays and company-wide breaks.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Home office expense reimbursement.
• Monthly phone and internet subsidies.
• Education tuition reimbursement and access to professional development resources.
• Employee equity participation.
• Paid time off designated for volunteering activities.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Planet fosters a culture of belonging and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The company strives to build teams representing global diversity and supports accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the hiring process.

Candidate Privacy and AI Interview Policy

Applicants consent to privacy policies governing data handling. Some interviews may involve AI-assisted transcription with candidate consent and the option to opt out. The use of AI tools during live interviews or assessments is prohibited unless expressly allowed by interviewers or assessment instructions. Accommodations related to AI usage can be requested confidentially.