Applied Scientist

Overview

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 a 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 worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

We are seeking an Applied Scientist to lead the mission concept design for our next-generation satellite constellations. In this role, you will be working with the R&D team on the future-evolution of Planet satellites. You will work at the intersection of deep physics and rapid engineering, developing novel ideas required to solve the industry’s most challenging optical, thermal, and communications problems.

Join us in revolutionizing how complex space systems are conceptualized and deployed, moving from standard industry designs to high-performance, novel architectures.

This is a part-time, remote position based in the United States. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.

• Lead the Phase 0 and Phase A architecture of new satellite missions, defining orbital parameters, constellation density, and system-level performance requirements.
• Invent and patent novel solutions for optical payloads, active/passive thermal management, and advanced communication links (RF and Lasercom) to ensure competitive advantage.
• Build high-fidelity, first-principles simulations to perform rapid trade studies on mission feasibility and hardware-software trade-offs.
• Publish internal whitepapers and external patent applications to secure the company’s technological moat.
• Lead the technical contribution for external proposals for Planet’s Space Business.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in satellite system design, with a specific focus on constellation-level engineering.
• Exceptional understanding of first-principles physics, including thermodynamics, orbital mechanics, and optics.
• Proficiency in Python and C++ for building custom multiphysics simulation tools.
• Solving hard engineering problems where thermal constraints directly conflict with optical or communication requirements.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard analysis tools.
• Excellent communication skills to bridge the gap between theoretical research and flight-hardware production.

• Experience moving from a blank sheet concept to a breadboard or flight-ready prototype in a high-cadence environment.

April 11, 2026 at 11:59p PT

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.

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Generous…