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
As a Senior Software Engineer on the Calibration and Validation (CalVal) team, you will be a key contributor to the integrity and evolution of our geometric models. You will design and implement the automated, scalable processes required to ensure our products consistently exceed rigorous geometric specifications and SLAs. You will develop photogrammetric models, error budgets, and calibration concepts for our high‑resolution and next‑generation monitoring programs, ensuring spatial integrity across diverse fleets. Additionally, you will drive ongoing performance characterization and serve as a lead investigator for complex image quality issues—troubleshooting sensor models and geometric anomalies to architect the long‑term fixes that maintain Planet's high standard of spatial data.
This is a full‑time, remote position based in Austria. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.
Impact You’ll Own
Perform ongoing space imaging operations, geometric calibration activities and performance characterization
Design and implement automated scalable processes to calibrate hundreds of satellites to ensure that our products meet and exceed specifications and SLAs
Collaborate within a cross‑functional team to develop performance models, error budgets and calibration concepts for new very high resolution constellation
Troubleshoot geometric image quality issues and develop long‑term mitigations and fixes
What You Bring
10+ years of industry experience with statistical processing and analysis techniques of large sets of measurement data
Bachelor’s degree in Photogrammetry, Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics, relevant to geometric characterization of space imaging platforms
Hands‑on, can‑do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
Understanding of end‑to‑end image processing chain – from sensor electronics and image ancillary data to geometric characterization
Passion for Programming, Photography, Remote Sensing, Earth Sciences, and Geography
Extensive experience leveraging scientific computing using Python in a Unix/Linux environment
Knowledge of how to scale code with cloud computing resources, e.g. AWS or GCP
Practical experience in solving problems by exploiting large cloud‑based datasets
What Makes You Stand Out
5+ years remote sensing experience + track record of software automation of analysis of imagery/maps
Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant scientific/engineering field
Hands‑on experience with calibrating and operating very high resolution optical satellites
Familiarity with design and construction of imaging/capture/camera hardware
Active contribution to open source projects
Application Deadline
June 11, 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time)
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
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
#LI‑REMOTE
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 (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 are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies 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.
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