Space Systems Engineer, Space Operations

About the Role:  

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, relying heavily on automation to scale our operations effectively. As a Space Systems Engineer, you'll support daily satellite operations, analyze operational data, triage anomalies, run on-orbit experiments, and deploy software across our fleet. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional hardware and software experts to build reliable services and shape next-generation spacecraft strategies. We are looking for a data-driven self-starter with strong communication skills who thrives in a technical, fast-paced environment.

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:

• 4+ years of experience in spacecraft operations or a closely related field
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or equivalent
• Thorough understanding of satellite sub-systems and Earth observation missions
• Working proficiency in Python or a comparable language, ability to model systems, analyze operational data, and contribute production code
• Track record of running and completing engineering projects end to end
• Data-driven mindset with experience in statistical analysis
• 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 with Earth Observation systems
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing infrastructures
• Experience in DevOps tools and practices (e.g., Git, GitLab, Docker, Jenkins, Bash, Linux, CI/CD, Sentry, Datadog)
• Familiarity with automation and optimization tools

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.