Job Application for Senior RF Engineer 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, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:

Planet is working on the next generation small satellite bus that will host a high resolution optical imaging payload (Pelican) and a hyperspectral payload (Carbon Mapper). Planet has continuously iterated and developed small spacecraft communication systems including board level hardware, antennas, and ground station equipment that produce record data rates. Our system consists of transceivers in several bands, as well as a worldwide network of ground stations.

We are seeking an experienced RF and Microwave Engineer to develop our next-generation onboard, ground radios and antenna systems that push the frontiers of satellite communications. You will make evolutionary and revolutionary improvements in their performance, reliability, and cost, including the architecture, design and test of next-generation S-band through Ka-band radios and a variety of antennas, as well as work with vendors on various design projects. You will be responsible for PCB layout projects and interface with cross functional teams - electrical, software and mechanical engineers to address challenging design issues. You will conduct environmental and EMC testing on communication subsystems and get them ready for flight. You will work closely with systems engineering, missions, and manufacturing teams to ensure mission success.

This role will require you to be physically present at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA, 3 days a week.

Impact You’ll Own:

RF/MW hardware transceiver and circuit design up to 30GHz, simulation (Spice, ADS), instrumentation, test and characterization
RF/MW system design, link budgets, and interference analysis
EMI testing and mitigation
Antenna design, simulation and testing (ADS, HFSS)
Digital communications theory and associated signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems
Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and respective signal processing libraries (ex.: GNURadio)
Validation and Verification of radios and antennas pre-shipment and validation of radio performance on orbit after satellite launch

What You Bring:

BSEE is required, MS/PhD preferred
6+ years of engineering excellence designing and maturing RF & MW systems, transceivers, antennas and/or SDRs to market, ability to review low-level design decisions and understand their impact to the larger system/mission
Sound fundamentals in RF/MW, electromagnetics and signal processing
Proven track record of owning, designing and criticizing RF/MW circuit design, RF/MW layout, component selection and evaluation
Extensive lab experience with RF/MW and mixed-signal board bring up, characterization and test using various RF, MW, Analog and Digital test equipment
Proven ability to adapt and learn a multitude of skills in order to develop/contribute to the design of complex systems including, but not limited to: Active RF circuits, integrated transceivers, PLL synthesizers, mixers, switches, RF amplifiers, oscillators, detectors, filters, A/D and D/A converters, microprocessors and FPGAs for space and ground station applications
Excellent documentation, presentation and communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out:

Experience with Altium or similar EDA tools, high-density mixed-signal PCB design, high speed clock trees
Knowledge of digital communications theory and associated signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems
Experience in Linux, Python, and data analysis tools
Comfortable working in an agile, fast-paced environment
Proven ability to provide solutions to address and unblock dynamic situations
Understanding of cross-team dependencies including electrical, software, mechanical, thermal, structural, manufacturing and Space environmental

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

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled technology, and as such, and in accordance to applicable law, employment is only open to US citizens, US nationals, lawful permanent residents of the US or persons admitted to the US as an asylee or refugee.

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $144,500 - $180,600. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job related experience, skills and location. The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

This position requires access to export controlled technology, and as such, employment will be contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access EAR and/or ITAR controlled technology pursuant to an export license approved by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, if required.

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. 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: 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.

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at Planet? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Create alert

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Location (City)

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

LinkedIn Profile

Website

How did you first hear about Planet before applying for this position?

Select...

If you selected 'Conference' or 'Event' for the previous question, we would love to hear which conference / event you connected with us at.

How did you find this position?

Select...

To make sure we are in the same solar system of expectations, what base salary are you targeting for the impact you will make? (Please provide in local currency)

Why Planet?

As the position you are applying for requires access to export controlled technology, we must ask the following questions for the sole purpose of ensuring compliance with U.S. rules concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information, including but not limited to U.S. State Department regulations at 22 C.F.R. Part 120 et seq., the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations found in 15 C.F.R. Part 730 et seq., and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury Regulations at 31 C.F.R. Part 500 et seq., as may be amended (collectively, “Export Control Laws”). If required, Planet will apply for and obtain necessary export authorizations to permit the employment of the most qualified candidate for this position. If you do not wish to be considered for positions whose activities are subject to the Export Control Laws, then you may skip the following questions, but you will not be eligible for this position. If you do wish to be considered for this position whose activities are subject to the Export Control Laws, then you must answer these questions:

Select...

I am one of the following: (a) a citizen of the United States; (b) a U.S. national (*); (c) a lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder); or (d) a person admitted into the United States as an asylee or refugee:

(*) a U.S. national includes someone born in American Samoa or Swains Island, and a person born in the CNMI who has elected to be a U.S. national

If No to the above, please indicate your U.S. Immigration Status:

Please answer 'N/A' if you responded yes to the above.

Do you reside in or maintain an established permanent residence in any of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or the following territories of Ukraine (Luhansk, Donetsk, Crimea)?

Select...

Conflict of Interest Questionnaire *

a. I am not and have never been a US Government employee (civilian or military).

b. I am a former US Government employee (civilian or military).

c. I have a family member who works for or is a former US Government agency employee (civilian or military) who has or may have decision making authority over Planet’s interactions with the US Government.

d. In the last five years, I have worked as a direct contractor or for another federal contractor on a prime contract where I interacted with the US Government.

e. I have a family member who works for a federal contractor to the US Government who interacts with the US Government directly and/or may have decision making authority over Planet’s interactions with the US Government.

If you answer (a.) to the following question, please select 'N/A' for questions 2-7.

1. Please select the statement below which best reflects your previous work experience:

*Note: A family member includes: spouses, parents, step-parents, legal guardians, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, children, step-children, siblings, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandparents, spouse’s grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and first cousins

2. Upon leaving your employment where you may have worked on U.S. Government or other similar governmental programs, did you receive any notifications of a “cooling off period,” any “prohibitions,” or an ethics memo?

Select...

3. During your employment where you may have worked on U.S. Government or other similar governmental programs, were you a part of any source selection or other acquisition planning efforts?

Select...

4. Did you have any supervisor or managerial responsibilities under your job responsibilities that may require a two year supervisory prohibition from making any influences, communications, or appearances with the United States Government for which you had the prior supervisory or managerial authority over?

Select...

5. Are there any federal or US Government matters that you were personally or substantially involved in?

Select...

6. If you were a former US Government employee, did you hold senior employee status?

Select...

7. Do you have anything you would consider non-public information about any US Government or federal programs?

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Planet’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Gender

Select...

Are you Hispanic/Latino?

Select...

Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Veteran Status

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305

Page 1 of 1

OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
Blind or low vision
Cancer (past or present)
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Celiac disease
Cerebral palsy
Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
Diabetes
Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
Intellectual or developmental disability
Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
Short stature (dwarfism)
Traumatic brain injury

Disability Status

Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Senior RF Engineer

Apply for this job

Voluntary Self-Identification

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability