Quality Engineer Lead

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 Manufacturing Quality Engineer Lead to oversee the implementation of our quality management systems and drive process design and improvements. This role combines engineering expertise with leadership skills to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability in our manufacturing operations. You will lead a small team of quality technicians, while also working closely with cross-functional teams including product design engineers, manufacturing personnel, test/maintenance teams, and supply chain. In addition to process improvement, you’ll remain actively engaged in hands-on quality inspection and troubleshooting, ensuring a strong foundation of knowledge about our parts and products. This role will appeal to individuals who enjoy both strategic problem-solving 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:

• Develop and update quality standards to ensure high performance in production.
• Perform periodic inspections, reporting mechanical and electrical anomalies, and providing hands-on support to troubleshoot failures.
• Act as the primary point of contact for day-to-day quality-related queries.
• Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, and Test teams to improve satellite performance and reduce production quality issues.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve supplier and in-line quality failures.
• Create and maintain Incoming Quality Inspection standards and processes.
• Manage nonconforming materials through the MRB process to ensure proper disposition, tracking, and reporting.
• Define vendor quality management criteria and audit processes.
• Monitor and analyze quality performance, creating detailed reports and dashboards.
• Lead quality management meetings, driving continuous improvement and excellence.
• Coordinate the rollout of quality systems with functional managers.
• Develop, configure, and optimize manufacturing processes from inception to validation.
• Establish feedback loops between manufacturing and testing teams for ongoing process improvements.
• Perform gap analyses and develop plans to achieve future state value stream maps.
• Conduct and coordinate Lean KAIZEN events to drive process improvements.
• Provide day-to-day manufacturing quality support on the production line.
• Conduct risk assessments (FMEA) and ensure processes are aligned with quality standards.
• Provide clear process documentation and operating instructions.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations, of which 2+ years is of hands-on experience as a quality technician.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and a passion for working in manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with OSHA health and safety regulations.
• Working knowledge of ISO9001, AS9100, or similar quality systems (implementation and audit experience preferred).
• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) preferred.
• ASQ certification preferred.
• Ability to write and update inspection guides and standard operating procedures.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to communicate quality issues effectively.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting mechanical drawings.
• Proficient with basic and precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, etc.).
• Exceptional knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and 5S.
• Proficient in using Google Docs, Sheets, and other standard documentation tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent interpersonal abilities.

What Makes You Stand Out: 

• ASQ certification.
• Experience building and leading quality functions in manufacturing environments.
• Experience in a start-up manufacturing setting.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new engineering concepts.
• Experience successfully implementing continuous improvement processes.
• Ability to mentor and coach others to achieve their full potential.

Application Deadline:

September 14, 2025 by 11:59 PM PDT 

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 Salary Range$128,400—$160,500 USD

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 [email protected] or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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