Lab Manager, R&D
PlanetWelcome 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:
At Planet Labs, we move fast to solve hard problems. We are looking for an R&D Lab Manager to lead our development workspace located directly adjacent to our satellite production facility. In this role, you will be the "boss of the physical space," helping our design team with their critical validation work. You will split your time between maintaining a world-class, organized lab environment and providing precision solder rework for non-flight hardware. You are someone who takes immense pride in a clean, ESD-safe workbench and thrives on the autonomy of building a space that enables ~40 engineers (EE, FPGA,RF, MW, Firmware, Mechanical, GNC, and Thermal) to do their best work.
This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco Office 5 days per week.
Impact You'll Own:
- Own the lab’s physical space by implementing and maintaining clean, ESD-safe workspaces and executing/improving organization SOPs.
- Perform precision SMT soldering including hot air/hot plate rework, inspecting solder joints for workmanship and handling the assembly and disassembly of PCBA subsystems.
- Provide direct engineering test support by setting up boards and fixtures, collecting data, and troubleshooting prototypes alongside the EE team.
- Maintain the equipment list, schedule routine calibrations, and coordinate with facilities for updated lab infrastructure such as power, water, and air connections.
- Manage inventory and consumables supply, interface with external vendors, handle kitting, and track order progress from shipment to delivery.
- Build rapid-prototype fixtures using 3D printers and laser cutters, and handle harness rework, wire crimping, and cable routing according to drawings.
- Use software infrastructure for flashing and provisioning electrical subsystems, utilizing basic Linux competence to interact with and control hardware
What You Bring:
- 6+ years of relevant experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a scientific field
- Deep experience in precision SMT soldering and hot air rework, with the ability to interpret electrical schematics and drawings fluently.
- Proficiency with basic test instrumentation, including multimeters, bench power supplies, and oscilloscopes.
- Hands-on experience in a machine shop environment, including the use of 3D printers and laser cutters for rapid prototyping.
- A solid background in inventory management, vendor coordination, and maintaining high-quality documentation and supply chains.
- A commitment to high workmanship standards and the ability to manage the maintenance of deployed setups and systems.
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize resources among competing needs.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- A track record of taking extreme autonomy and initiative to improve physical workspaces without needing a roadmap.
- Basic competence in Linux for hardware interaction and familiarity with Altium and Solidworks for reviewing designs
- Experience managing labs or technical spaces through periods of rapid growth, successfully scaling inventory systems and infrastructure to meet team demands.
- IPC-J-STD-001 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) or equivalent certification
Application Deadline:
June 4, 2026 at 11:59p PT
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.
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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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 are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies 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 [email protected] 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.