Job description
Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.
Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.
Customers and users across the globe use Planet’s data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles.
As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.
We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.
Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.
About the Role:
The Imaging Operations Team is looking for a Computer Vision Software Engineer to help us operate, optimize, and further develop the largest camera constellation ever deployed in space! We are responsible for data quality, system-level analysis, and operations for our Earth observation payload. We operate frame cameras and line scanners, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors as well as very high resolution and medium resolution systems. Our team works at the intersection of hardware, software and product engineering teams within the Mission Operations Division inside the Space Systems Organization. The role will appeal to candidates who enjoy the interchange between scientific imaging, software and systems engineering, and operations.
This is a full-time, remote position based in Germany. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.
Impact You’ll Own:
- Develops, validates and automates large scale image quality and payload performance metrics
- Explores and defines new aspects of image quality and develops long-term mitigations and improvements
- Designs and operationalizes new imaging systems and operating modes
- Develops and deploys new imaging pipelines and architectures
- Collaborates with space operations, data pipeline, product, hardware (optics and electrical engineering), and embedded software teams
What You Bring:
- 2+ years of relevant experience with image processing methods and quality assessment of image data
- Relevant experience in computational photography and scientific imaging
- Experience leveraging scientific Python in a Unix/Linux environment to develop and automate novel imaging algorithms
- Experience with line scanner data and high resolution imaging systems
- Hands-on, can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
- Solid graduate-level Statistics, Linear Algebra and Physics foundation
- BS in physics, visual computing, computer science or other relevant scientific/engineering field
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience with hyperspectral imaging systems and hyperspectral image data
- Experience with developing of imaging concept of operations and image processing techniques
- Practical experience in solving problems by exploiting large cloud-based datasets
- Familiarity with source code management tools
- Knowledge of camera hardware concepts
Application Deadline:
September 15, 2025 by 23:59 Pacific Daylight Time (11:59 PM PDT)
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 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.
- 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
#LI-REMOTE
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 [email protected] 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.
