Senior Software Engineer
Planet
Summary
Join Planet and contribute to our mission of using space to help life on Earth. We are seeking a skilled software engineer with expertise in hyperspectral remote sensing to develop and maintain calibration and validation (CalVal) software for our Tanager satellite constellation. This full-time, remote position based in the United States involves improving the quality of hyperspectral data products, assessing radiometric accuracy, contributing to atmospheric correction pipelines, and optimizing data calibration algorithms. The ideal candidate will have 6-8 years of experience in software engineering and CalVal methods for space-based missions, along with expertise in Python and Linux environments. Planet offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, and a remote-friendly work environment.
Requirements
- 6-8 years of total experience related to a combination of software engineering and calibration-validation methods for space-based missions
- Advanced knowledge of data processing pipelines and CalVal methods for space-based missions, preferably hyperspectral systems
- An understanding of atmospheric correction methods for remote sensing data
- Expertise in scrutinizing scientific data to identify calibration anomalies, instrument artifacts, and processing errors
- Experience conducting research projects or presenting findings to technical audiences
- Extensive experience with scientific computing using Python in a Linux environment
Responsibilities
- Drive continuous improvements in the quality of Planet's hyperspectral data products and support their public release
- Assess the radiometric accuracy of Planet's data products using ground truth data (e.g., RadCalNet) and radiative transfer tools (e.g., MODTRAN)
- Contribute to the development of Planet's hyperspectral atmospheric correction pipeline, based on the ISOFIT open source package
- Optimize the implementation of data calibration algorithms in Planetβs Python/Linux-based production environment and monitor scientific fidelity by implementing data quality metrics
- Create clear documentation and publications explaining data quality updates for customers
- Troubleshoot data quality issues and implement software fixes to resolve them
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience calibrating and validating data from space-based missions
- Expertise in correcting hyperspectral remote sensing data for atmospheric effects and applying it to Earth observation applications
- Deep understanding of how raw satellite data is processed into well-calibrated physical quantities (e.g., radiances and surface reflectances), including the modeling and propagation of measurement uncertainties
- Experience in contributing to scientific publications and delivering presentations at conferences
- Experience in building, releasing, and supporting highly available, consistently performant software systems, and scaling those systems using cloud computing platforms
- Knowledge of international initiatives aimed at enhancing data quality in the commercial space sector, such as CEOS Working Groups, RadCalNet, and data interoperability efforts
- Understanding of satellite imaging geometry and geometric calibration
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
- Remote-friendly work environment
- 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