SpaceOps Associate - SuperDove Mission

About the Role:

The Space Ops team is in charge of maintaining the largest constellation of Earth observation satellites made up of SuperDoves SkySats Pelicans and Tanagers; we ensure they are safe healthy and productive. We are a small team of highly-skilled engineers from offices in SF and Berlin and we are looking for a highly motivated and driven working student to join our team. As part of the Space Operations team you will support day-to-day operations which includes making assessments based on data analysis triaging and resolving anomalies run on-orbit experiments and testing and assisting in the rollout of software on the ground and in space. The work of the Space Operations team is essential to Planet’s success.

This role is specifically for supporting Planet’s medium-resolution Superdove mission. With ~100 satellites in orbit the core of our operations is automation and monitoring; you will be writing code to automate mission operations and aggregate data into metrics. The ideal candidate is eager to learn and collaborate is results driven and is able to work in a fast-paced environment while working independently and as part of a team. You will be working in a collaborative environment frequently communicating with hardware and software experts to understand anomalies develop procedures and further develop operations processes.

This is a part-time role (20 hours per week) for 1 year contract. The role can be remote or in-person/hybrid.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Develop and enhance existing tools to further automate satellite operations

• Identify triage root cause and resolve satellite anomalies in space

• Support daily check-ins on the Superdove fleet to maintain nominal operations

• Improve existing processes and procedures for satellite operations

• Develop and maintain scripts to aggregate satellite data and generate metrics

• Use existing and new metrics for data analysis to make assessments about the performance and health of the satellites

• Lead standalone projects to evolve the way we operate our satellites

What You Bring:

• 1 + years software development experience in Python or equivalent

• Familiarity with statistical analysis and data-driven development

• Experience with data visualization

• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to collaborate across teams

• Understanding of DevOps and CI/CD concepts

• Experience working with large amounts of data and APIs

• Familiar with automation and software development tools ( e.g. Jenkins Bash and Git)

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Understanding of space environment and space operations

• Comfortability working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and collaborating with remote team members

• Previous experience working on mission design or mission operations

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.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

• Accrued Time Off in addition to holidays and company global days off

• Remote friendly work environment

• Home Office Reimbursement

• Monthly Internet Reimbursement

• Access to LinkedIn Learning

• Commuter Benefits

• Volunteering Benefits

• Eligible after discretionary period

  • Comprehensive Medical Dental and Vision plans

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Compensation:

The US hourly rate for this temporary part-time position at the commencement of employment is $35 per hour.  The rate displays our typical hiring rate for new hire salaries in US locations only.  Your recruiter can share more about the specific hourly rate.

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.

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