Senior Quality Engineer

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Quality Engineer to support the implementation of our quality management systems and drive process design and continuous improvement in our San Francisco manufacturing facility. In this role, you will work in close partnership with the Quality Engineer Lead to execute strategic quality objectives, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product reliability across our manufacturing operations.

You will collaborate with a small team of quality technicians while interfacing daily with cross-functional teams including product design engineers, manufacturing personnel, test/maintenance teams, and supply chain. In addition to driving process improvement, you will remain actively engaged in hands-on quality inspection, root-cause analysis, and shop-floor troubleshooting, ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge about our parts and products. This role will appeal to individuals who enjoy strategic problem-solving, operational rigor, 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:

Implement Quality Management Systems: Partner directly with the Quality Engineer Lead to implement, maintain, and audit comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMS).

Guide and Mentor Technicians: Guide, train, and mentor quality technicians on advanced inspection techniques, blueprints, and standard operating procedures.

Prepare for Audits and Deliver KPIs: Support internal and external vendor audit preparation, compile quality KPIs, and deliver monthly management review presentations with leadership.

Develop Standardized Inspection Protocols: Develop and refine standardized procedures for incoming raw material inspections, in-process testing, and final product release criteria.

Provide Daily Production Support: Provide immediate, hands-on quality engineering support to production teams to resolve line-side manufacturing non-conformances.

Monitor Quality Metrics & Dashboards: Monitor quality metrics (yield, scrap, COPQ), track defect trends, and maintain real-time performance dashboards for quality leadership visibility.

Optimize Manufacturing Processes: Optimize manufacturing processes from inception to validation by leading and participating in Lean Kaizen events, gap analyses, and cross-functional feedback loops.

Execute Risk Assessments (FMEA): Lead Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) sessions alongside engineering teams to proactively identify risks and strengthen process controls.

Reduce Waste and Improve Capability: Identify operational waste, improve overall process capability (Cpk), and reduce the cost-of-poor-quality (COPQ).

Perform Technical Root-Cause Analysis: Perform technical inspections and perform root-cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) to resolve complex supplier and in-line failures.

Execute Nonconforming Material (MRB) Process: Execute the nonconforming material (MRB) process, dispositioning defective parts and collaborating with supply chain on vendor corrective action requests (5-Why/8D SCARs).

Author Technical Inspection Documentation: Author, review, and update technical inspection guides, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality control plans.

What You Bring:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations.

2+ years of hands-on experience working as a quality technician or inspection engineer.

Ability to support Quality Leads/Managers in managing quality workflows, technician activities, and QMS initiatives.

Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems (implementation and audit support experience preferred).

Exceptional ability to read and interpret complex mechanical engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).

Highly proficient with precision tools including calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, height gauges, dial indicators, and CMM/optical comparator tools.

Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, root-cause methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.

Familiarity with Cal/OSHA health and safety regulations within manufacturing settings.

Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Microsoft Office, ERP/QMS platforms, and technical documentation tools.

What Makes You Stand Out:

Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) and/or ASQ Certification (CQE, CQA, CQM).

Experience establishing or scaling quality functions within high-growth hardware or startup environments.

High desire and aptitude to support Quality Leads/Managers while coaching and growing junior technicians.

Success in executing root-cause countermeasures that yield measurable quality and yield improvements.

Application Deadline:

December 1, 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time)

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

$144,500—$180,600 USD

California (Other) Salary Range

$136,000—$170,000 USD

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance