Application Guide
How to Apply for Education & Research Program Manager & Evangelist
at Planet
🏢 About Planet
Planet is unique as the world's leading provider of daily, global Earth-imaging satellite data, enabling unprecedented monitoring of our planet's changes. Working here means contributing directly to impactful environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives through cutting-edge technology. The company's mission-driven culture attracts professionals passionate about using space technology for tangible Earth benefits.
About This Role
This role involves building strategic relationships with education and research institutions to expand adoption of Planet's satellite data in academic research. You'll develop programs connecting research outputs to commercial opportunities while collaborating cross-functionally on go-to-market strategies. The position is impactful because it bridges scientific discovery with real-world applications of Earth observation data.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve virtual meetings with university researchers to understand their data needs, collaborating with product teams on education-focused features, and preparing presentations for upcoming academic conferences. You could spend time analyzing adoption metrics across research institutions and developing programs to incentivize new research using Planet's satellite imagery.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For
- Has 6+ years in remote sensing, Earth science, or environmental fields with experience managing strategic academic/research accounts
- Demonstrates proven ability to build relationships with educational institutions and collaborate on shared research goals using geospatial data
- Is comfortable presenting at conferences and engaging research communities both online and in-person
- Understands how to connect academic research outputs to commercial opportunities in the Earth observation sector
📝 Tips for Applying to Planet
Highlight specific experience with satellite data or remote sensing platforms in academic/research contexts
Provide concrete examples of building relationships with universities or research institutions
Demonstrate understanding of how Earth observation data supports environmental research goals
Show experience bridging academic research with commercial applications
Mention familiarity with Planet's specific data products or use cases in education/research
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with Earth observation data in academic or research settings', 'Specific examples of managing strategic relationships with educational institutions', "How you've connected research outputs to practical applications or opportunities", 'Your approach to growing adoption of technical products in research communities']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Planet's specific education programs and existing academic partnerships
- → Recent research papers or projects using Planet's satellite data
- → The company's data products (like PlanetScope, SkySat) and their research applications
- → Planet's mission statement and recent sustainability initiatives
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic application materials that don't mention Earth observation or remote sensing experience
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of how satellite data supports academic research
- Not showing specific examples of managing strategic relationships in education/research sectors
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!