We are currently seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead ongoing development, verification, and on-orbit anomaly escalation for Planet’s existing satellite platform, Superdove. As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will develop a deep understanding of existing on-orbit software systems and how the software interacts with hardware, firmware, Satellite Operations, and the complex physical environment found in LEO. You will work closely with Manufacturing and Manufacturing Test to ensure successful satellite builds. You will work with domain experts in RF, ADCS, EE, FPGA, and our Flight Software team to design and implement improved flight software, and to support new requirements and circuit designs. You will use systems including Mission Control and telemetry to understand the behavior of our software on orbital scale, and will work with teams across Space Systems to deliver improved efficiency and productivity of our core Superdove imaging platform.
This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.
Impact You'll Own
Develop improved software systems for the Superdove spacecraft
Identify opportunities for efficiency and productivity gains, and implement them
Work with FSW experts to deeply learn how existing systems work, gather ideas for how to improve them, plan long-term improvement projects, and deliver sustained value over months.
Build automated testing to increase confidence in the quality of our Flight Software systems.
Collaborate with Missions Systems, Satellite Operations, Satellite Security, Systems Engineering, Ground Station Operations, and other teams to ensure that Flight Software meets the needs of our customers.
Partner with Manufacturing and Manufacturing Test teams to streamline satellite builds and system integration.
What You Bring
Experience with Ubuntu and/or Debian distributions of Linux.
Experience with embedded C with or without an RTOS, preferably on STM32.
Experience with C and C++ application code on UNIX/Linux.
Knowledge of Python 3 and Python 2.
Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar; or equivalent work experience.
Ability to use lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, voltmeters, and similar to investigate software and system behavior.
6+ years of experience in the design and development of software systems.
Ability to maintain existing systems, analyze system performance using data, and investigate complex system behaviors.
What Makes You Stand Out
Experience using Linux in embedded environments such as kiosk or vehicle platforms.
Knowledge of 8051 microprocessors.
Experience using FPGAs and/or software that interfaces with FPGA designs
Understanding of the PC architecture such as BIOS/EFI, PCIe and USB peripheral interfaces, SATA and EMMC storage, and the like.
Experience maintaining and/or operating a deployed fleet of embedded systems with telemetry and other observability features.
Application Deadline
11:45p / 23:45 PT on the date stated below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received. For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.
EAR/ITAR Requirements
This position requires access to 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 the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
Benefits While Working at Planet
These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
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
Compensation
The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job related experience, skills and location. The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
San Francisco Salary Range
$162,600—$203,200 USD
- 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.
EEO statement
Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Know Your Rights.
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.
