Senior Camera Systems Engineer

Senior Camera Systems EngineerPlanet 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.Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.About the Role:Planet seeks a Senior Camera Systems Engineer to serve as the primary system architect and technical lead for our next-generation satellite camera modules. In this role, you will bridge the gap between mission-level imaging goals and hardware implementation, orchestrating the end-to-end lifecycle of our camera systems. You will drive requirements flowdown, lead cross-functional trade studies, and manage key technical relationships with external image sensor and camera component vendors.You will collaborate closely with Electrical, Mechanical, Thermal, Optical, and Flight Software teams to optimize the camera system to meet our tight SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, Cost, and Schedule) and electro-optical performance targets.This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.Impact You'll Own:Translate top-level remote sensing performance requirements into clear, verifiable specifications for the camera subsystem (including image sensor, proximity electronics, lens/optical interfaces, and thermal management).Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external image sensor foundries and camera component vendors; drive statement of work (SOW) definitions, technical milestones, and critical design reviews (PDR/CDR).Lead camera-level trade studies balancing image quality attributes (SNR, dynamic range, MTF, radiometry) against spacecraft constraints like power consumption, thermal dissipation, and mass.Define and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) mapping the boundaries between the camera module, high-speed data serialization, the image signal processing (ISP) pipeline, and the host payload/spacecraft bus.Own the end-to-end verification matrix for the camera; design and oversee the execution of environmental qualification plans (vacuum, thermal, vibration) and electro-optical calibration routines.What You Bring:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.10+ years of engineering experience, with at least 5+ years dedicated to systems engineering or technical leadership for complex digital cameras or electro-optical (EO) imaging systems.Proven track record of managing requirements traceability and flowdown across electrical, mechanical, and optical boundariesDemonstrated experience managing external vendors, foundries, or contract manufacturers for high-performance camera components or custom sensors.Deep understanding of CMOS image sensor architecture, radiometry, and camera performance budgets (e.g., tracking noise, stray light, and MTF across the camera module).What Makes You Stand Out:Experience developing camera hardware or imaging instruments for the LEO environment, including knowledge of radiation mitigation, outgassing, and vacuum-compatible design.Experience applying aerospace standards (NASA, ESA, or high-reliability commercial equivalents) to camera qualification, environmental testing, and hardware acceptance.Familiarity with hardware-level image processing (e.g., dark current correction, defective pixel masking), high-speed serialization protocols, and ground-station image calibration.Application Deadline:October 14, 2026 at 11:59p PTEAR/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:Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plansHealth Savings Account (HSA) with a company contributionGenerous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off16 Weeks of Paid Parental LeaveWellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Home Office ReimbursementMonthly Phone and Internet ReimbursementTuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn LearningEquityCommuter Benefits (if local to an office)Volunteering Paid Time OffCompensation: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 Salary Range$205,800 - $257,200 USDSan 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