The Senior Satellite Constellation (CxS) Manager is responsible for steering initiatives that will deliver on Planet’s growing CxS business line throughout the EMEA market. This role will be responsible for programs valued over €100M to build, launch and operate a constellation of Pelican satellites for Planet and its strategic EMEA customers. This is a key strategic role for the Space Business Group and Planet as a whole. The Senior Manager will achieve success by coordinating teams and resources across the company to ensure that the capabilities delivered by the program meet customer requirements and provide excellent imagery products. The Senior Manager must ensure that the Pelicans delivered on orbit are healthy, productive satellites and will hire or enlist teammates that will establish plans, programs, and teams that maximize the chance for mission success. They will coordinate with Mission Directors and peers in Space Systems, Software Engineering, and other corporate functions to deconflict resources and balance timelines so Planet can maximize the overall success of its mission portfolio.
The Senior Manager is successful through establishing a core program team to drive the top-level mission elements while enabling and empowering the executing teams. Thus, they must demonstrate a strong commitment to Planet’s cultural values, agile principles, and servant leadership to succeed in this role. They enhance their effectiveness through generating personal credibility and building relationships across the company.
This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our Berlin office 3 days per week.
• 10+ years experience in space systems development, management and/or operations
• Deep expertise in LEO satellite operations, satellite design, and what is required to deliver mission success.
• Generally knowledgeable about tasking business models and remote sensing technology.
• The ability to operate effectively and decisively in an information rich environment with minimal guidance and extended autonomy.
• The ability to make decisions that align with Planet’s technical and strategic roadmap as well as Planet’s core values.
• Willingness to hold ambiguity and risk for the organization, and to make decisions when needed to bring clarity to executing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills where team alignment can consistently be delivered and maintained.
• The ability to travel within Europe as needed and to California 2-3 times per year.
• Ability to maintain high availability during the start of the California workday (Pacific Time) for scheduled meetings and sporadic real-time collaboration.
• Demonstrated success in developing, managing, or operating large satellite constellations
• Expertise in leading and delivering major corporate initiatives through leveraging cross-departmental teams
• Examples of proactively managing and mitigating program risk for space programs
Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This position requires access to U.S. and German/EU 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 German, EU, or U.S. authorities.
These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off
• Employee Wellness Program
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity
• Volunteering Paid Time Off
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.
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 accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.
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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 accommodations@planet.com 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.