Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Analyst, International Trade Compliance

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet operates the world's largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily global coverage that enables organizations to monitor environmental changes, humanitarian crises, and economic activity. The company's mission of 'empowering impactful stewardship' through timely satellite data makes it uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and global security. Working at Planet offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful global monitoring while navigating complex international trade regulations for cutting-edge space technology.

About This Role

This Senior Analyst role manages the complete export/import authorization lifecycle for Planet's international operations, ensuring compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations for satellite technology and data. You'll directly support international sales and company operations by preparing authorization requests, conducting internal training, and serving as the primary interface with U.S. government agencies. Your work enables Planet to legally share critical Earth-imaging data globally while protecting sensitive technology, making this role essential to the company's international expansion and mission fulfillment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves reviewing international sales contracts to scope necessary export authorizations, preparing DSP-5 license applications for satellite imagery exports, and updating internal teams on compliance procedures. You might conduct a training session for the sales team on ITAR restrictions, then review export documentation for upcoming shipments, followed by preparing post-approval reports for existing licenses and responding to government agency inquiries about Planet's trade compliance programs.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • Has 4+ years of hands-on experience specifically with ITAR and EAR regulations in the aerospace, defense, or satellite technology sectors
  • Demonstrates practical experience preparing and submitting export authorization requests (like DSP-5s, licenses, agreements) and managing post-approval compliance
  • Possesses strong communication skills for training internal teams and interfacing with government agencies like DDTC and BIS
  • Can analyze business documents (contracts, technical specifications) to scope appropriate export authorizations that support business objectives

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Highlight specific ITAR/EAR experience with satellite technology, remote sensing systems, or aerospace components - not just general trade compliance

2

Quantify your experience with authorization lifecycles (e.g., 'managed 15+ export licenses from preparation through post-approval reporting')

3

Mention any experience with Earth observation data regulations or space technology export controls specifically

4

Demonstrate understanding of Planet's dual-use technology challenges (civilian Earth imaging with potential military applications)

5

Show how you've trained non-compliance teams - crucial for this role's internal guidance responsibilities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience applying ITAR/EAR to satellite or aerospace technology (not just general trade compliance)', 'Examples of successfully interfacing with government agencies (DDTC, BIS, Customs) on complex authorizations', "How you've balanced compliance requirements with business objectives in previous roles", "Why Planet's mission of global Earth monitoring resonates with your professional goals in trade compliance"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Planet's specific satellite constellations (Skysat, Dove) and their technical capabilities that might trigger export controls
  • → Planet's international customers and partnerships to understand their global compliance needs
  • → Recent news about space technology export control changes or Earth observation data regulations
  • → How Planet's data is used in humanitarian and environmental applications versus potential dual-use concerns

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you'd handle an export authorization request for Planet's satellite imagery to an international research institution
2 How would you train our engineering team on ITAR compliance when they're developing new imaging technology?
3 Describe your experience with post-approval compliance reporting and recordkeeping for export licenses
4 How do you stay current with EAR and ITAR changes that might affect satellite technology exports?
5 What challenges do you foresee in managing trade compliance for a company with daily global satellite coverage?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic trade compliance experience without specific ITAR/EAR examples relevant to aerospace or satellite technology
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the specific compliance challenges for Earth-imaging satellite data
  • Not preparing for technical questions about authorization processes and government agency interactions

📅 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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