Space Systems Engineer, Space Operations

The Space Operations team is crucial to Planet's success, responsible for maintaining and optimizing the health and productivity of the world's largest Earth Observation satellite constellation. Our team spans North America and Berlin. Given the scale of our fleet, automation is at the heart of our operations. You'll develop and maintain critical software, transforming large datasets into actionable metrics, and streamline key workflows around satellite performance. As a Space Systems Engineer, you will support daily satellite operations, analyze data, triage and resolve anomalies, run on-orbit experiments, test and deploy software both on the ground and in orbit, and commission satellites. You will work closely with hardware and software experts across teams to debug anomalies, enhance or create services, and provide operational insights to shape our next-generation of satellites. We are looking for a data-driven self-starter with effective communication skills that collaborates well within a technical team and adapts quickly to changing tasks and contexts. This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our Berlin office 3 days per week.

• 4+ years of relevant experience • Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering, Software, or Science related field • 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 • Understanding of DevOps and CI/CD concepts • Experience with Agile software development • Proficiency in DevOps tools and practices (e.g., Git, GitLab, Docker, Jenkins, Bash, Linux, CI/CD, Sentry, Datadog) • Solid command of core spatial concepts, including coordinate reference systems, projections, and transformations, alongside proficiency in geometric operations such as clipping, buffering, and dissolving • Extensive experience working with diverse geospatial data structures and formats, including vector (Shapefile, GeoJSON) and raster ((Geo)TIFF) datasets • Proficiency in industry-standard GIS software and libraries, specifically QGIS and GeoPandas, with a solid understanding of spatial ETL tools like GDAL, Fiona, or Rasterio • Hands-on experience operating spacecraft or remote systems • Experience coordinating resources and projects with multiple engineering teams • Practical expertise in data analysis for problem-solving • Familiarity with automation and optimization tools • Contributions to open-source software projects 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. 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 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.