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.
As a Space Systems Engineer, you'll 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'll 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 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.
Impact You’ll Own:
Develop and maintain real-time, mission-critical software solutions for satellite operations
Conduct daily fleet checks, debug on-orbit satellite anomalies, and support On-Call shifts
Test and deploy flight software upgrades and perform on-orbit experiments
Create and maintain operational procedures
Analyze data to identify issues and inefficiencies in the full stack of services
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
What You Bring:
2+ years of relevant work experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or equivalent 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
Professional working proficiency in English, the language of the company
What Makes You Stand Out:
Hands-on experience operating spacecraft or remote systems
Experience and understanding of spacecraft propulsion and guidance, navigation, and control systems
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing infrastructures
Experience with Agile software development
Experience in DevOps tools and practices (e.g., Git, GitLab, Docker, Jenkins, Bash, Linux, CI/CD, Sentry, Datadog)
Familiarity with automation and optimization tools
Contributions to open-source software projects
Application Deadline:
11:45p / 23:45 CET 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.
Export Control Requirements:
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.
Benefits While Working at Planet:
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
Compensation:
The expected starting gross salary range for this role is listed below. Individual placement within this range is determined objectively based on gender-neutral criteria such as your skills, qualifications, and professional experience. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or equity.
Germany Salary Range
€48.100—€60.100 EUR
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