Senior Quality Engineer

About this role

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…