Engineering Program Manager

About the role

The Engineering Program Manager (EPM) at Planet will lead satellite development programs from planning and requirements definition through critical design, build, test, and launch. They ensure efficient execution of all program phases, including MCR, SRR, PDR, CDR, IRR, SRR, and LRR. They develop project schedules and budgets and track performance across all project phases. They oversee execution of technical plans at all levels, both internally and with external suppliers, including project definition, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning. They collaborate and coordinate with external stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, vendors, and customers, to manage deliverables, technical plans, and program milestones. They coordinate schedules, priorities, and status updates with engineering, manufacturing, teams, stakeholders, and management. They work directly with multiple engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to drive productivity and progress on concurrent projects. They develop tools and processes to measure and improve engineering productivity. They drive root cause problem-solving, identify, and eliminate blocking issues. They work directly with Program Management, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain, Compliance, Facilities teams to drive progress on concurrent manufacturing lines and initiatives. They lead manufacturing ramp programs from early factory engagement and readiness through key build phases into production. They drive root cause analysis for complex engineering and manufacturing issues, identify and eliminate blocking problems, and implement robust corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Own lead satellite development programs from planning and requirements definition through critical design, build, test, and launch.
• Ensure efficient execution of all program phases, including MCR, SRR, PDR, CDR, IRR, SRR, and LRR.
• Develop project schedules and budgets and track performance across all project phases.
• Oversee execution of technical plans at all levels, both internally and with external suppliers, including project definition, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning.
• Collaborate and coordinate with external stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, vendors, and customers, to manage deliverables, technical plans, and program milestones.
• Coordinate schedules, priorities, and status updates with engineering, manufacturing, teams, stakeholders, and management.
• Work directly with multiple engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to drive productivity and progress on concurrent projects.
• Develop tools and processes to measure and improve engineering productivity.
• Drive root cause problem-solving, identify, and eliminate blocking issues.
• Work directly with Program Management, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain, Compliance, Facilities teams to drive progress on concurrent manufacturing lines and initiatives.
• Lead manufacturing ramp programs from early factory engagement and readiness through key build phases into production.
• Drive root cause analysis for complex engineering and manufacturing issues, identify and eliminate blocking problems, and implement robust corrective actions.

Requirements

• A BA/BS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience of program management in aerospace, manufacturing or similar industry.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, including externally to customers.
• Experience in an engineering program management role for the development and ramp of hardware systems in a cross-functional context.
• Ability to be self-motivated and enthusiastic with creative and critical thinking capabilities.
• Experience working with and managing external contract manufacturers (CMs), suppliers, and vendors to drive program success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel internationally, specifically to Europe.

Qualifications

• Experience with scaling systems on satellite manufacturing.
• Experience successfully delivering hardware products through the entire New Product Introduction (NPI) lifecycle.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to drive strategy based on data.
• Professional fluency in Swedish or German.

Skills

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Technical expertise in spacecraft design and manufacturing.

Benefits

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

Pay

San Francisco Salary Range: $162,600—$203,200 USD

Schedule

Full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week. Travel to Europe is also expected.