Director, Flight Software at Planet

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, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:  

The Flight Software Team is responsible for creating and maintaining the control software for our fleet of Dove, Superdove and Skysat satellites.. As Director of the Flight Software team you will be responsible for managing Planet’s  world-class Flight Software team while developing and delivering to the Satellite System technical roadmap. Besides  developing and maintaining the Flight Software for our existing Skysat and Superdove systems as well as for our future satellite systems, the Flight Software team also contributes to the design and implementation of our satellite management ecosystem. This includes software that runs on ground stations, and satellite manufacturing equipment. The Director of Flight Software works with the program management team to build out delivery plans for all of the FSW deliverables.and ensure that all of the internal milestones are met.

Impact You’ll Own:

Lead Planet’s world class Flight Software Team

Develop strategic plan and technical roadmap for Planet’s next generation satellite system

Work with other disciplines at Planet to complete complex milestones 

Use Sprint planning tools to keep objectives on track and ensure visibility into FSW work

Participate in long-term planning with the project management team

Drive Planet success by ensuring the delivery and optimal performance of Planet’s on-orbit assets

What You Bring:

History of managing complex programs through to success

Strong personal skills, capable of building cohesive teams and inter-team relationships

Comprehensive understanding of developing software for custom hardware

Good technical background to enable complex conversations around planning

Working knowledge of JIRA and running software teams in sprints

Working knowledge of project goal setting (complex projects)

What Makes You Stand Out:

Experience with managing previous aerospace projects or cubesats

Experience in the mobile, networking, medical, robotics, IoT, or similar embedded device industries

Experience with some of our key technical areas, such as cameras or other image sensors, high-speed radio communication, high data rate storage systems

Experience with system design and system trades

Past experience as an individual contributor writing embedded software and reviewing schematics

Benefits While Working at Planet:

Comprehensive Health Plan

Wellness program and onsite massages in specific offices

Flexible Time Off

Recognition Programs

Commuter Benefits

Learning and Tuition Reimbursement

Parental Leave

Offsites and Happy Hours

Volunteering Benefits

Some Press About Us: 

Our CEO, Will Marshall featured on TED and featured in a Planet Blog

“Planet: Bringing Space Back Down to Earth”

Tiny, privately owned satellites are changing how we view the Earth features in NBC News

“Planet And Rocket Lab Create Mission Patch To Honor Women In Aerospace” —Planet Blog

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 with diversity, equity and inclusion.  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. 

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 interview process, please call Planet's front office at 669-214-9404 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.

Compensation (only applicable for Colorado applicants):

The base pay range targeted for this position in Colorado is: $156,600 - $243,900. This role is eligible for equity.

The actual offer, including the compensation package, is determined based on multiple factors, including experience, location, and other business considerations.

Planet is registered as an employer in many, but not all, states. If you are not able to work from a state where Planet is registered, you will not be eligible for employment.

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