Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer at Planet

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer
Company: Planet
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Job Type: Hybrid (4 days in office)
Category: Aerospace Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-18
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Drive the development of Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites, lead verification and validation of satellite systems, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet customer needs.
Key Skills: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Satellite Systems, Requirements Formulation, Validation, Verification, Vehicle Testing, Electro-Optical Payloads, Constellation Design, Orbital Simulations, Ground Segment Architecture, Technical Coordination, Troubleshooting, Environmental Testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in satellite systems development and experience working with cross-functional teams. Familiarity with electro-optical payloads and constellation design is a plus.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Satellite Systems Development: Lead the development and growth of Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites, driving the team through requirements formulation, design, verification, and validation phases.
Verification and Validation: Develop and execute plans for verification and validation of the satellite system and ground systems, including environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing.
System Level Budgets: Lead definition and assessment of system level budgets, ensuring all requirements are met and any non-conformances are dispositioned.
Assembly, Integration, and Testing: Participate in the assembly, integration, and testing of satellite systems, including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned.
Customer Collaboration: Collaborate with mission operations and data product teams to ensure the satellite system meets the needs of the customer, participating in customer-facing briefings and design reviews.
Team Leadership: Lead the technical coordination of multiple teams, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 6+ years of experience in the design and development of satellite systems, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites. Familiarity with satellite subsystems and vehicle testing is required.

Required Skills:

Experience with requirements formulation, validation, and verification best practices
Familiarity with industry standards, such as NASA GEVS and SMC-S-16 for small satellites (50-200 kg)
Knowledge of design for space environment best practices
Experience with constellation design or orbital simulations in custom tool suites or STK
Excellent understanding of ground segment architecture, including mission control and mission processing elements

Preferred Skills:

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
7+ years of experience working in the satellite industry, including design/analysis, AI&T, and/or V&V
Remote Sensing experience related to electro-optical payloads
Familiarity with customer-facing briefings and design reviews

📝 Enhancement Note: While a Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, a Master’s degree would be beneficial for this role due to the level of experience and technical expertise required.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Detailed project case studies demonstrating your experience with satellite systems development, including requirements formulation, design, verification, and validation phases.
Examples of successful system level budget assessments and environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing plans.
Documentation showcasing your experience with customer-facing briefings and design reviews, highlighting your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Technical Documentation:

Detailed technical reports outlining your experience with satellite subsystems and vehicle testing, including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned.
Documentation demonstrating your familiarity with industry standards, such as NASA GEVS and SMC-S-16 for small satellites (50-200 kg), and your knowledge of design for space environment best practices.
Examples of your experience with constellation design or orbital simulations in custom tool suites or STK, highlighting your ability to work with complex systems and tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $144,500 - $180,600 USD per year, depending on experience and location. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity).

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
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

Working Hours: This is a full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement, requiring employees to work in the San Francisco HQ approximately 4 days per week. The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range provided is for the San Francisco location, the final salary range will be determined by job-related experience, skills, and location. Please consult with your recruiter for specific salary range information for your preferred location during the hiring process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Planet is a space and data company that designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. The company provides empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors.

Company Size: Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands. This diverse and international team fosters a culture of belonging and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply.

Founded: Planet was founded in 2010 and has since grown to become a leader in the space and data industry, with a mission to change the way people see the world.

Team Structure:

Planet’s engineering teams are organized around specific satellite systems, with each team consisting of experts in various disciplines, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering.
The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will lead the technical coordination of these teams, driving the development and growth of Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites.

Development Methodology:

Planet uses Agile methodologies for software development, with a focus on continuous integration and deployment.
The company emphasizes collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with regular code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices.
Planet’s deployment strategies include CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment, ensuring efficient and reliable satellite systems.

Company Website: Planet Labs

📝 Enhancement Note: Planet’s culture is driven by a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The company encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the company’s mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of technical expertise and leadership skills. This role offers significant growth opportunities, including technical specialization and potential advancement to a management or architecture role.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will report directly to the Manager of Spacecraft Systems Engineering, working closely with cross-functional teams, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing engineering teams.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites, driving the development and growth of the company’s core product. The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the satellite systems meet the needs of the customer and perform at the highest level.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role offers the opportunity to specialize in a specific satellite subsystem or satellite system, allowing for deep technical expertise and career progression.
Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated success, the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer may have the opportunity to move into a technical leadership role, guiding the development and growth of multiple satellite systems and teams.
Architecture Decisions: As the technical lead for Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites, the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will have the opportunity to make critical architecture decisions, shaping the future of the company’s satellite systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities for the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role are significant, with a clear path for technical specialization and potential advancement to a management or architecture role. Planet’s culture of belonging and inclusion fosters an environment where employees can thrive and grow their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Planet’s offices are modern and collaborative, with a focus on creating a comfortable and productive work environment for employees. The company’s San Francisco HQ is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Office Location(s): Planet has offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands. The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role requires employees to work in the San Francisco HQ approximately 4 days per week, with the option to work remotely for the remaining days.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Planet’s offices are designed to foster collaboration and teamwork, with open workspaces and meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Development Tools: Employees have access to the latest development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure efficient and effective work.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Planet encourages cross-functional collaboration between teams, with regular meetings and workshops to share knowledge and best practices.

Work Schedule: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role has a hybrid work arrangement, requiring employees to work in the San Francisco HQ approximately 4 days per week. The standard workweek is 40 hours, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Planet’s work environment is designed to be flexible and accommodating, with a focus on creating a comfortable and productive workspace for employees. The company’s culture of belonging and inclusion fosters an environment where employees can thrive and grow their careers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Preparation: Applicants should familiarize themselves with Planet’s satellite systems, including electro-optical imaging satellites, and be prepared to discuss their experience with satellite systems development, verification, and validation.
Customer-Facing Briefings: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with customer-facing briefings and design reviews, highlighting their ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and understand customer needs.
Technical Challenges: Applicants should be prepared to participate in technical challenges related to satellite systems development, verification, and validation, showcasing their problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
Final Evaluation: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their career goals and how their experience and skills align with the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role at Planet.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Project Case Studies: Applicants should highlight their experience with satellite systems development, including requirements formulation, design, verification, and validation phases, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites.
System Level Budgets: Applicants should provide examples of successful system level budget assessments and environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing plans, demonstrating their ability to work with complex systems and tools.
Customer Collaboration: Applicants should showcase their experience with customer-facing briefings and design reviews, highlighting their ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and understand customer needs.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Satellite Systems Development: Applicants should brush up on their knowledge of satellite systems development, verification, and validation, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites.
Problem-Solving Skills: Applicants should practice their problem-solving skills, focusing on satellite systems development challenges and how to approach them effectively.
Technical Expertise: Applicants should review their technical expertise, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and best practices for satellite systems development, verification, and validation.

ATS Keywords: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Satellite Systems, Requirements Formulation, Validation, Verification, Vehicle Testing, Electro-Optical Payloads, Constellation Design, Orbital Simulations, Ground Segment Architecture, Technical Coordination, Troubleshooting, Environmental Testing, Agile Methodologies, CI/CD Pipelines, Automated Deployment, Customer-Facing Briefings, Design Reviews, Technical Leadership, Architecture Decisions, Space Environment Best Practices, Industry Standards, NASA GEVS, SMC-S-16.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role requires a high level of technical expertise and leadership skills. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with satellite systems development, verification, and validation, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites. Familiarity with industry standards and best practices is essential for success in this role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Satellite Systems:

Electro-Optical Imaging Satellites: Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites are the company’s core product, providing high-resolution imagery and data to customers worldwide.
Satellite Subsystems: Planet’s satellite systems include Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, Electrical, and Manufacturing subsystems, each with its own unique requirements and challenges.
Ground Segment Architecture: Planet’s ground segment architecture includes mission control and mission processing elements, ensuring efficient and reliable satellite systems.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Agile Methodologies: Planet uses Agile methodologies for software development, with a focus on continuous integration and deployment.
CI/CD Pipelines: Planet’s deployment strategies include CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment, ensuring efficient and reliable satellite systems.
Version Control: Planet uses version control systems to manage code changes and track development progress.
Testing Tools: Planet employs a range of testing tools to ensure the quality and reliability of its satellite systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Planet’s technology stack is focused on satellite systems development, verification, and validation, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites. Familiarity with industry standards and best practices is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Technology Values:

Customer Focus: Planet is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers, with a focus on providing high-quality, reliable satellite systems and data products.
Innovation: Planet encourages innovation and continuous improvement, with a focus on staying at the forefront of the space and data industry.
Collaboration: Planet fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Quality: Planet is committed to delivering high-quality satellite systems and data products, with a focus on reliability, performance, and user experience.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Planet encourages cross-functional integration between teams, with regular meetings and workshops to share knowledge and best practices.
Code Review Culture: Planet has a strong code review culture, with a focus on quality, performance, and maintainability.
Peer Programming: Planet encourages peer programming and knowledge sharing, with a focus on continuous learning and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Planet’s culture is driven by a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The company encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the company’s mission.

🌐 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Satellite Systems Development: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will face technical challenges related to satellite systems development, verification, and validation, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites.
System Level Budgets: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will be responsible for defining and assessing system level budgets, ensuring all requirements are met and any non-conformances are dispositioned.
Environmental, Functional, and End-to-End Testing: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will develop and execute plans for verification and validation of the satellite system and ground systems, including environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing.
Customer Collaboration: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will collaborate with mission operations and data product teams to ensure the satellite system meets the needs of the customer, participating in customer-facing briefings and design reviews.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: The Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role offers the opportunity to specialize in a specific satellite subsystem or satellite system, allowing for deep technical expertise and career progression.
Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated success, the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer may have the opportunity to move into a technical leadership role, guiding the development and growth of multiple satellite systems and teams.
Architecture Decisions: As the technical lead for Planet’s electro-optical imaging satellites, the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer will have the opportunity to make critical architecture decisions, shaping the future of the company’s satellite systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities for the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role are significant, with a clear path for technical specialization and potential advancement to a management or architecture role. Planet’s culture of belonging and inclusion fosters an environment where employees can thrive and grow their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Satellite Systems Development: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with satellite systems development, verification, and validation, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites.
System Level Budgets: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with defining and assessing system level budgets, ensuring all requirements are met and any non-conformances are dispositioned.
Environmental, Functional, and End-to-End Testing: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with developing and executing plans for verification and validation of satellite systems and ground systems, including environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing.

Company & Culture Questions:

Customer Collaboration: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with customer-facing briefings and design reviews, highlighting their ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and understand customer needs.
Agile Methodologies: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with Agile methodologies for software development, with a focus on continuous integration and deployment.
CI/CD Pipelines: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment, ensuring efficient and reliable satellite systems.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Applicants should highlight their experience with satellite systems development, including requirements formulation, design, verification, and validation phases, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites.
System Level Budgets: Applicants should provide examples of successful system level budget assessments and environmental, functional, and end-to-end testing plans, demonstrating their ability to work with complex systems and tools.
Customer Collaboration: Applicants should showcase their experience with customer-facing briefings and design reviews, highlighting their ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and understand customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role is designed to assess the applicant’s technical expertise and leadership skills, with a focus on satellite systems development, verification, and validation. Familiarity with industry standards and best practices is essential for success in this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer position:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with satellite systems development, verification, and validation, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases your experience with satellite systems development, including requirements formulation, design, verification, and validation phases, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Planet’s mission, culture, and values, and be prepared to discuss how your experience and skills align with the Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer role.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your knowledge of satellite systems development, verification, and validation, with a focus on electro-optical imaging satellites, and practice your problem-solving skills.
Prepare for Customer Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss your experience with customer-facing briefings and design reviews, highlighting your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and understand customer needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer