Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Operations Research Engineer, Orbits R&D

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet uniquely combines space technology with data analytics, operating the world's largest satellite constellation for Earth imaging. They control the entire pipeline from satellite design to data delivery, creating a vertically integrated environment where engineers see direct impact. Their mission to provide global, timely Earth data for environmental and humanitarian purposes attracts mission-driven technologists.

About This Role

This Senior Operations Research Engineer role focuses on optimizing mission planning for Planet's satellite fleet, specifically scheduling imaging and communication tasks. You'll develop algorithms in C++ and Python to maximize data collection efficiency while considering orbital mechanics constraints. Your work directly enables Planet's core capability of delivering unprecedented Earth observation data to customers worldwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by analyzing overnight mission execution data in Python to identify optimization opportunities, then collaborate with satellite operators to understand upcoming mission priorities. Afternoon could involve implementing C++ improvements to the scheduling algorithm, writing tests, and reviewing pull requests from team members. You'll regularly interface with both the satellite operations team and data platform engineers to ensure mission plans align with overall system capabilities.

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🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • Has 6+ years experience with both C++ (for performance-critical systems) and Python (for prototyping/analysis) in aerospace or related fields
  • Demonstrates deep understanding of orbital mechanics through academic background or hands-on mission operations experience
  • Maintains production-quality code with automated testing and CI/CD practices, not just research prototypes
  • Applies first-principles thinking to complex scheduling problems involving satellite constraints and mission objectives

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Highlight specific C++ and Python projects where you optimized complex scheduling or resource allocation systems

2

Demonstrate your orbital mechanics knowledge by mentioning specific concepts (e.g., Keplerian elements, ground track optimization, eclipse constraints)

3

Show how you've maintained production code by describing your testing frameworks and CI/CD experience

4

Research Planet's current satellite constellations (Dove, SkySat) and mention how your skills could improve their mission planning

5

Emphasize remote collaboration experience since this is a US-remote position in a globally distributed team

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Connect your operations research experience directly to satellite mission planning challenges', "Explain how your C++/Python expertise aligns with maintaining Planet's mission-critical systems", "Demonstrate understanding of Planet's unique position as both space hardware and data company", "Share specific ideas about how you'd approach optimizing their satellite constellation scheduling"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Planet's satellite constellations (Dove, SkySat) and their orbital characteristics
  • → Review Planet's data products and customer use cases to understand mission priorities
  • → Explore Planet's technical blog and GitHub for insights into their engineering culture
  • → Understand how Planet's mission planning integrates with their ground station network

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Technical deep-dive on your experience with constraint optimization algorithms for scheduling problems
2 C++ implementation questions focusing on performance, memory management, and testing in production systems
3 Orbital mechanics scenarios: how would you schedule imaging passes considering satellite orbits and ground station availability?
4 Python data analysis questions related to processing mission planning outputs or satellite telemetry
5 Collaboration approach for working with hardware teams (satellite engineers) and software teams (data platform)
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on academic optimization theory without demonstrating production software experience
  • Treating this as a generic software role without showing specific aerospace/space systems knowledge
  • Not being able to discuss the trade-offs between different scheduling algorithms for real-world satellite constraints

📅 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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