Intern, Optical Engineer

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. Internships at Planet: Planet’s Summer 2026 internships are full-time, paid 12-week positions located in our San Francisco HQ Office. Program Dates: June 1 - August 21 June 22 - September 11 About the Role: The Electro-Optical Systems team is seeking an Optical Engineering Intern to help with the design, assembly, integration and testing of optical payloads in Planet’s fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. As an intern on the Electro-Optical Systems team within Planet’s Space Systems division, you will be a key contributor in Planet’s agile aerospace approach to spacecraft design, and will collaborate with Planet's leading-edge spacecraft design and manufacturing teams as well as, our optical, mechanical, thermal and qualification teams. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco office 5 days per week. Impact You'll Own: A critical optical payload configuration assembly step Alignment, Assembly, Integration and Testing on configuration step Testing, coordinating and documentation of configuration step Delivery of configuration assembly to next step What You Bring: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree Experience working with electro-optical components such as telescopes, lenses, cameras imaging sensors. Experience with optical metrology and alignment activities for telescope and sensor integration and troubleshooting Experience with the development and execution of test software and analysis in a laboratory setting, such as in Python Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-pacing environment Excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to collaborate across teams What Makes You Stand Out: Experience with relevant modeling and simulation tools, such as Solidworks or Zemax OpticStudio Experience leveraging Python and/or C/C++ in a Unix/Linux/AWS environment to support test hardware Experience with collecting large amounts of data, data storage, and data manipulation Experience working with external vendors, suppliers, and integrators Educational background in Optical Engineering or relevant experience Application Deadline: April 5, 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. Commuter Benefits Paid time o ... (truncated, view full listing at source)