Job Application for Quality Technician at Planet

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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:

As a Quality Technician at Planet, you will be responsible for implementing & supporting robust quality control that can be standardized and scaled for all systems at Planet. This position will require identifying and troubleshooting supplier & in-line quality failures for our cubesat program. It includes performing periodic inspections, reporting mechanical & electrical anomalies and providing hands-on support to troubleshoot failures. You will work in a cross-functional team with Design, Manufacturing & Test to improve Planet’s satellites performance & reduce production quality and issues in space.

This is a full-time position requiring you to work in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

Perform inspections across all stages of production
Ensure equipment and test stations are calibrated periodically
Define & maintain inspection guides
Record & report quality anomalies & data to quality lead
Utilize DMAIC method to identify and eliminate quality issues as they relate to satellite level damage
Act as a point of contact for day-to-day queries about quality
Manage nonconforming material through the MRB process to ensure that nonconforming material is identified, appropriately dispositioned, tracked, and reported
Work closely with production, process, and test team counterparts to support testing and validation of new processes in a live production environment
Communicate and interface between manufacturing & test technician to establish feedback loop for continuous improvement
Identify improvement opportunities (gaps between manufacturing & quality) and work with Quality Lead and relevant teams to implement solutions

What You Bring:

Ability to read & interpret mechanical drawings
2+ years experience in Quality focussed role
Mechanical aptitude & troubleshooting skills
Mechanical inspection experience using basic and precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, etc.)
Ability to understand & implement 5S and Lean Manufacturing
Ability to read and interpret FMEAs, Quality Control Plans
Knowledge of AQL, SCAR process
Proficient using Google Docs and Sheets

What Makes You Stand Out:

Experience writing inspection guides
Educational background in ME or IE
ISO/AS 9002 experience
Detail oriented & ability to communicate issues effectively. Passion for improving quality standards
Demonstrated ability to implement Kaizen (continuous improvement processes)

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
Remote-friendly work environment
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

$43.27 - $53.85 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 with diversity, equity and inclusion. 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.

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