Technical Program Manager, New Missions

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:  

As a Technical Program Manager (TPM) at Planet, you will drive Planet’s largest, complex efforts that cross many teams and organizational boundaries. You will provide razor focus to enable execution, manage risk, and are the accountable leader to orchestrate these large-scale, cross-functional efforts. You will work closely with team leads to develop and manage end to end program plans and support requirement reviews with internal customers and usher projects through the entire project life cycle. This includes establishing and managing internal processes, project schedules, metrics, KPIs, identifying risks, and clearly communicating them to project stakeholders. You're equally at home explaining your team's analyses and recommendations to executives as you are discussing the technical trade-offs in product development with engineers.

This TPM Position is in the New Missions Group which is responsible for orchestrating the delivery of new space systems and the successful execution of an initial Go to Market cycle. The group is chartered with developing a repeatable process that integrates new missions into the Planet platform and enables commercial success. In particular, you will be supporting the ground-floor efforts to scope the next generation Planet constellation and drive the program through the entire lifecycle . To that end, you promote collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams including Engineering teams (Space Systems, Software Engineering) and Product Management all in an effort to ensure the assigned program is executed smoothly and on time. You will be expected to support regular reviews of the project with the cross functional team. You should have strong project management and some systems engineering experience with a strong foundation in leading engineering projects.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Lead and coordinate the early efforts to scope and define Planet’s next generation of medium resolution satellites and effectively track the activities for this multi-year program
• Provide support to other New Missions at Planet as programs mature and increase in complexity
• Orchestrate cross-functional efforts and serve as the accountable owner for the overall Program on the Product and Software side of Planet 
• Partner with key program stakeholders (Product Manager, Engineering teams, and others) to scope and execute across various technical projects
• Communicate vertically & horizontally across Planet to keep stakeholders informed of technical progress, priorities, risks, and any changes to requirements or plans
• Facilitate technical discussions and decisions with a broad team. Promote healthy debate, encourage and support every member of the team to have a voice. If technical disagreements arise, facilitate the discussion towards a solution but drive and own the final decision.

What You Bring:

• 5+ years of Technical Program Management or Product Management experience.
• Proven experience in managing/leading cross-functional projects with stakeholders across a broad organization, manage tight timelines and high customer impact using project management best practices and tools
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills paired with the ability to communicate findings and recommendations
• Experience with remote sensing, space systems, or imaging
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and working with multiple roles across the company or organization

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience with the full project lifecycle: concept initiation through deployment/go to market
• Experience with multispectral or hyperspectral imagery
• Demonstrated self-starter who initiates efforts and augments existing programs with new ideas
• Experience in cloud computing, platform development and integrations; to include storage, administration, APIs, Analytics, UX, and derived data products.

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: $93,600 - $156,600. 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.