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 the Vice President of Defense and Intelligence (D&I) Engineering, you will lead, scale, and direct the software engineering organization responsible for building Planet’s end-to-end dual-use products and applications. You will own the technical architecture, systems development, and operational delivery of flagship dual-use products—such as Global Monitoring Service (GMS), Marine Domain Awareness (MDA), automated change detection feeds, and agentic workflows.

In this executive engineering role, you will lead multi-disciplinary teams across software, architecture, AI/ML, analytics, and forward deployed engineering. You will partner directly with Product Management, Core Platform Engineering, and Executive Leadership to transform raw satellite imagery and API services into scalable, mission-critical dual-use software solutions. You will oversee system availability, performance SLAs, and ITAR-compliant deployment pipelines, serving as the senior engineering authority for Planet’s defense and intelligence software portfolio. Ideal candidates are visionary engineering leaders passionate about delivering impactful geospatial solutions.

This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our Denver, CO office 3 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

Engineering Leadership & Delivery: Lead, mentor, and scale multi-disciplinary software engineering teams (software, data/ML, platform, and infrastructure) tasked with building and maintaining end-to-end dual-use products like Global Monitoring Service (GMS) and Marine Domain Awareness (MDA).
Architecture & Systems Design: Define the software architecture, data models, and technical standards required to deliver high-throughput geospatial analytics, real-time alerting, and automated detection platforms at scale.
Trade & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee engineering development standards and deployment pipelines to ensure full technical compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Product Co-Development: Partner with Product Management to translate high-level market vision and defense mission requirements into scalable engineering roadmaps, system designs, and execution sprints.
AI & Agent Integration: Direct the technical integration of advanced machine learning models, analytics, and agentic workflows into Planet's dual use product stack.
Operational Excellence: Drive software engineering metrics, system reliability, low-latency processing, and secure cloud deployment architectures across commercial and sovereign environments.

What You Bring:

15+ years of experience in software engineering and systems architecture, with a focus on high-scale data, computer vision, or geospatial applications.
8+ years of direct experience leading and scaling multi-disciplinary engineering organizations (software, data/ML, platform, and cloud infrastructure).
Direct experience managing engineering teams, software build pipelines, and data handling governed by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Track record of architecting, building, and operating end-to-end dual-use or defense software applications (such as domain awareness, automated change detection, or spatial monitoring platforms) at scale.
Active high-level government security clearance, or eligibility to obtain top-secret clearance upon hire.
Deep technical expertise in distributed cloud architectures, high-throughput data processing pipelines, API infrastructure, and machine learning model integration.
Ability to drive software delivery metrics, maintain high operational availability/SLAs, and establish rigorous engineering practices.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).

What Makes You Stand Out:

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, or a relevant technical discipline.
Direct engineering experience building foundation models for remote sensing use cases, agentic platforms, or automated tip-and-cue execution loops.
Background in developing software for secure government environments, air-gapped systems, or sovereign cloud deployments (e.g., AWS GovCloud/C2S).
Experience in multi-sensor data fusion workflows, including optical satellite imagery and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

Application Deadline:

11:45pm PT on the date stated below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received. For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.

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.

US National Salary Range

$257,300—$321,600 USD

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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. 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 [email protected] 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.

AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a "Planet AI Notetaker" for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact [email protected] with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.

US National Salary Range 257300 - 321600 USD

About the company

Planet Labs sells satellite imagery, geospatial data and analysis software to businesses, researchers and public agencies. Its Earth observation services help customers monitor changes in land use, infrastructure and natural resources, while tasking lets users request imagery of specific places. Customers access data through subscriptions, web tools and APIs, and can combine imagery with analytic feeds in their own workflows. The company also offers dedicated satellite capacity and constellation services, extending its business beyond image licensing to tailored observation systems. Founded in 2010, Planet Labs is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2010

Get referred to Planet Labs

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Demand accelerated: September 2026 results reported quarterly revenue of $116.1 million, up 58% year over year.
Renewable contracts underpin sales: Planet reports more than 90% recurring annual contract value.
Learning has support: Planet's careers page lists tuition reimbursement and development resources.

What critics are saying

Profitability remains incomplete: September 2026 results showed a $9.4 million quarterly GAAP net loss.
Remote work has location limits: Planet's US Platform Operations posting requires nearby employees onsite three days weekly.
Sensitivity limits coverage: Tanager's highest-sensitivity mode substantially shortens collection length compared with standard mode.

What makes Planet Labs unique

Specialized emissions sensing: Tanager maps facility-scale methane leaks using a NASA JPL instrument.
Spacecraft reuse supports multiple missions: Pelican and Tanager share Planet's modular satellite bus.
Manufacturing control extends to qualification: Planet operates its own environmental testing labs and automated satellite production.

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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

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

-2%

Yahoo Finance

Oct 22nd, 2026

Planet Labs launches Pelican-12 satellite as shares fall 38.7% in a quarter; 56% undervalued?

Planet Labs PBC has launched its Pelican-12 satellite on SpaceX's Bandwagon-5 rideshare mission. The launch comes as the company's share price has slid 19.7% over the past month and 38.7% over the last quarter. The most followed investor narrative puts fair value at $31.00 against a last close of $13.71, which implies the stock is about 56% undervalued. Yet the shares trade at 13.2 times sales, against 0.9 times for the Professional Services industry and 0.7 times for peers. Risks include a net loss of $359.865 million and the chance that Planet Labs becomes a commoditised data supplier.

Space Park Leicester

Oct 15th, 2026

Discover how to access free satellite imagery and Earth Observation data at Space Park Leicester Planet Day.

Discover how to access free satellite imagery and Earth Observation data at Space Park Leicester Planet Day. A global company which has revolutionised the Earth observation industry through its mission to image the Earth every day will host its first ever Planet Day at Space Park Leicester. Since 2013, Planet has successful deployed 462 satellites and businesses, governments, and research institutions use its data to scale their operations, increase efficiency, mitigate risk and develop novel solutions to address their most pressing challenges. The company has established a relationship with the University of Leicester and will visit Space Park Leicester this month to show visitors, students, professors and researchers how they can use Planet's high-resolution satellite imagery and Earth observation data for their research and projects. Professor Kevin Tansey, of Space Park Leicester and Head of the School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Leicester, said: "Planet was founded by three NASA scientists and it operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites. It provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions to the world's leading agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education and finance companies and government agencies. "Space Park is also proud that Planet's Co-Founder and CEO, Will Marshall, studied Physics with Space Science and Technology (MPhys) at the University of Leicester before going on to complete a PhD at the University of Oxford and co-found one of the world's most innovative Earth observation companies. This is a fantastic example of the impact University of Leicester graduates are making across the global space sector. "We're thrilled that Planet is hosting its first ever Planet Day event at Space Park Leicester to give people the chance to meet members of the Planet team, take part in hands-on demonstrations and explore satellite imagery, Earth observation and artificial intelligence." As well as examining the opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry the event will include a practical session where attendees will work with Planet imagery, a demonstration using Planet imagery and artificial intelligence and talks from Leicester researchers. The event will take place from 1pm to 5pm on Wednesday, October 21, at Space Park Leicester. Anyone who is interested in attending is welcome to turn up on the day. To explore Space Park Leicester partnerships, missions, residents, facilities, training programmes and innovation products, visit space-park.co.uk or to learn more about the University of Leicester visit le.ac.uk/. Main image: Luke Jerram's Gaia artwork, commissioned by CGI, at Space Park Leicester

Yahoo Finance

Oct 15th, 2026

Planet Labs hits $116M record quarter, but satellite deals could make results uneven

Planet Labs reported record revenue of $116 million for fiscal Q2 2027, but most of the beat came from a single type of contract. The stock has still lost 55% in six months, while the S&P 500 gained 12.6%. The largest portion came from delivering the first Pelican satellite to the Swedish Armed Forces. Planet books such satellite services revenue at the point of handover, and it made up 12% of revenue, up from 1% a year earlier. Executives expect uneven quarters and shifting gross margins. Planet guides fiscal Q3 revenue at $101 million to $105 million, with gross margin of 56% to 58%, down from 59%. The company has identified over $4 billion of satellite services opportunities, including about $1 billion in near-term prospects. The stock trades at 14.4 times sales, against 3.1 for the S&P 500.

Yahoo Finance

Oct 13th, 2026

ESA picks Planet to build Slovenia's automated satellite alert system for emergency responders

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Planet's subsidiary Sinergise Solutions to build the Slovenia Space Resilience Node, a 12-month pilot project. It will automate the link between satellite change detection and high-resolution imaging for Slovenia's Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief. Working with software firm Lucis, the system will analyse open Copernicus data and PlanetScope imagery. When it detects anomalies or pre-set thresholds, it will alert users and trigger a high-resolution tasking request, including through Planet's Pelican fleet. Imagery will appear in the responder's map view within hours. The prototype will first target wildfire management across Slovenia's 20,000 square kilometres. It could later track floods, landslides, and other hazards. Planet's Diego Vanelli said Slovenia is an ideal pilot and the design can serve as a blueprint for civil agencies across Europe.

Yahoo Finance

Oct 12th, 2026

Planet Labs' government satellite sales surge, but $4B pipeline is yet to convert to contracts

Planet Labs is moving beyond selling satellite imagery. It now builds and operates custom satellites for government clients, and delivery of that hardware is lifting its sales. In fiscal Q2 2027, 12% of revenue was booked on delivery, against 1% a year earlier. The quarter included the first Pelican satellite built for the Swedish Armed Forces. Revenue rose about 58% to $116 million, while defence and intelligence sales grew more than 90%. Management cited more than $4 billion of possible satellite orders, though signed contracts are growing slowly. Backlog stood at about $815 million, up about 11%. The company still loses money: its net loss over the past twelve months equalled 95.1% of revenue. It guided fiscal Q3 revenue to $101 million-$105 million, and the stock has fallen 50% in six months.

Planet Labs

Vice President Defense and Intelligence Engineering

About the job

About the company

Get referred to Planet Labs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Planet Labs unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth