Application Guide

How to Apply for PreSales Solutions Architect - Hyperspectral

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet is unique as the world's largest Earth-imaging satellite constellation provider, offering daily global coverage that enables unprecedented monitoring of our planet. Their mission-driven focus on empowering impactful stewardship through timely data makes them a compelling workplace for those passionate about applying technology to environmental and security challenges.

About This Role

As a PreSales Solutions Architect for Hyperspectral at Planet, you'll bridge technical capabilities with customer business needs by designing hyperspectral data solutions for defense, intelligence, or environmental clients. This role is impactful because you'll directly influence how organizations leverage Planet's unique hyperspectral data to solve complex real-world problems like crop monitoring, mineral exploration, or surveillance.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve preparing a technical demonstration of Planet's hyperspectral capabilities for a defense contractor, then collaborating with sales on a proposal for an environmental agency's RFP. You'd spend time analyzing customer use cases to architect solutions that leverage Planet's daily global hyperspectral data collection.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • Has 6+ years of hands-on experience with hyperspectral data analysis tools (like ENVI, Python libraries) and understands spectral signatures for applications like mineralogy, agriculture, or defense
  • Can obtain/maintain a US TS/SCI clearance, indicating eligibility and experience working with classified government programs
  • Has a technical background in Earth science or computer science with demonstrated ability to translate hyperspectral capabilities into business value for customers
  • Is experienced in creating compelling hyperspectral use case presentations that show measurable ROI for clients

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Quantify your 6+ years of hyperspectral experience with specific projects, mentioning tools (e.g., 'Used HySpex sensors for mineral mapping in Nevada')

2

Explicitly state your eligibility for TS/SCI clearance upfront in your resume summary

3

Tailor your portfolio to include 1-2 sample hyperspectral use case presentations you've created

4

Reference Planet's specific hyperspectral products (like PlanetScope with hyperspectral bands) in your application materials

5

Highlight any experience with government RFPs/RFIs in defense or intelligence sectors

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Demonstrate understanding of Planet's unique daily global coverage advantage for hyperspectral applications", "Provide a specific example of how you've architected a hyperspectral solution that addressed a business challenge", "Connect your security clearance eligibility to Planet's government/defense customer base", "Show enthusiasm for Planet's mission of 'impactful stewardship' through Earth observation"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Planet's hyperspectral product offerings and recent launches (like Tanager satellites)
  • → Review Planet's government contracts and case studies with agencies like NRO or USDA
  • → Understand Planet's platform capabilities (PlanetScope, SkySat) and how hyperspectral integrates
  • → Research Planet's competitors in hyperspectral (like Orbital Sidekick, Satellogic) to understand differentiators

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would design a hyperspectral solution for a defense client monitoring crop health in a conflict zone
2 How would you explain the value of Planet's daily revisit rate versus competitors' less frequent hyperspectral collection?
3 Describe your experience responding to government RFPs involving classified hyperspectral requirements
4 What tools and methodologies do you use for hyperspectral data preprocessing and analysis?
5 How would you handle a customer who doesn't understand the difference between multispectral and hyperspectral capabilities?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only multispectral experience without demonstrating specific hyperspectral expertise
  • Failing to address the TS/SCI clearance requirement or having unclear eligibility status
  • Using generic 'solutions architect' language without tying it to hyperspectral data applications
  • Not demonstrating understanding of Planet's specific platform and mission

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Planet!

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