Space Systems Engineer

Summary

Join Planet's Space Operations team and contribute to maintaining and optimizing the world's largest Earth Observation satellite constellation. As a Space Systems Engineer, you will support daily satellite operations, analyze data, resolve anomalies, and develop mission-critical software. This hybrid role, based in San Francisco, requires proficiency in software development (especially Python) and data analysis. Experience with spacecraft operations or remote systems is a plus. Planet offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, and a remote-friendly work environment.

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

Preferred 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

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