Full-Time

Space Systems Engineer

Posted on 1/16/2025

Planet

Planet

1,001-5,000 employees

High-resolution satellite imagery subscription service

Compensation Overview

$115.8k - $142.7kAnnually

+ Bonus + Equity

Junior, Mid

San Francisco, CA, USA

This is a hybrid role with an expectation of at least two in-office days per week.

Category
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
Python
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of relevant work experience
  • Proficiency in software development, particularly in Python or similar languages
  • Data-driven mindset with experience in statistical analysis
  • Familiarity with the space environment and its challenges
  • Proactive approach to engineering and problem-solving
  • Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills within a technical team
Responsibilities
  • Conduct daily fleet checks and support On-Call shifts
  • Test and deploy flight software upgrades, debug satellite anomalies, and perform on-orbit experiments
  • Create and maintain operational procedures
  • Develop and maintain real-time, mission-critical software solutions for satellite operations
  • Write scripts to aggregate satellite data and generate system monitoring metrics
  • Analyze data to identify issues and inefficiencies in the full stack of services and propose solutions
  • Drive improvements to fleet capacity and productivity through process enhancements
  • Provide feedback to launch, manufacturing, and spacecraft engineering teams based on on-orbit performance, technical demonstrations, and forecasting models
  • Shape operational strategies for next-generation spacecraft
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with Agile software development
  • Proficiency in DevOps tools and practices (e.g., Git, GitLab, Docker, Jenkins, Bash, Linux, CI/CD, Sentry, Datadog)
  • Hands-on experience operating spacecraft or remote systems
  • Practical expertise in data analysis for problem-solving
  • Familiarity with automation and optimization tools
  • Contributions to open-source software projects

Planet captures high-resolution satellite images of the Earth's surface using a fleet of small satellites called Doves. These satellites provide near-daily, 8-band imagery, allowing clients to monitor environmental changes, manage natural resources, plan urban developments, and respond to disasters. Clients, which include government agencies, environmental organizations, and businesses, subscribe to access Planet's extensive library of images and data analytics tools. This subscription-based model ensures consistent revenue as clients require updated imagery for their operations. Planet also offers customized solutions for specific image requests and educational resources through Planet School to help users effectively utilize their platform. The company's goal is to lead in the geospatial intelligence market by providing comprehensive and timely satellite imagery to support various applications.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2010

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for satellite imagery in precision agriculture boosts Planet's market potential.
  • AI integration enhances Planet's Earth observation capabilities, offering timely and accurate insights.
  • Smart city initiatives increase demand for Planet's high-resolution data for urban planning.

What critics are saying

  • SpaceX's competition in Asia may impact Planet's market share and pricing power.
  • Recent 17% staff cuts could hinder Planet's operational capacity and innovation.
  • Economic downturns may lead clients to reduce or cancel Planet's subscription services.

What makes Planet unique

  • Planet operates the largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites globally.
  • Their subscription model provides continuous revenue from diverse sectors like agriculture and urban planning.
  • Planet's AI-driven Global Forest Carbon Monitoring System offers unique environmental insights.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Sabbatical Leave

Remote Work Options

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Home Office Stipend

Phone/Internet Stipend

Tuition Reimbursement

Equity

Commuter Benefits

Volunteering Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
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