Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Software Engineer, Imaging Systems

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet operates the world's largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily global coverage that enables monitoring of environmental changes, humanitarian response, and sustainable development. Unlike traditional satellite companies, Planet's agile approach combines cutting-edge hardware with scalable software to democratize access to timely geospatial intelligence. Working here means contributing directly to global stewardship through technology that addresses climate change, food security, and disaster response.

About This Role

This Senior Software Engineer role focuses on imaging systems, requiring collaboration across spacecraft hardware, mission operations, and embedded software teams to ensure satellite payloads meet performance requirements. You'll be responsible for supporting ground/flight testing, V&V campaigns, and root-cause analysis for imaging anomalies in real-time operations. Your work directly impacts the quality and reliability of Earth observation data used by governments, researchers, and commercial clients worldwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing imaging data from satellite tests, collaborating with hardware teams on payload performance issues, and developing Python scripts for automated calibration analysis. You might participate in V&V campaign planning, troubleshoot an imaging anomaly with mission operations, and contribute to technical fixes that ensure data quality for global monitoring applications.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years of software experience with demonstrated expertise in Python/C++/FPGA for automated data analysis in imaging or sensor systems
  • Possesses academic or hands-on project experience in imaging sensors, optical metrology, photogrammetry, or remote sensing/GIS
  • Exhibits strong systems-thinking approach to troubleshoot complex imaging anomalies in real-time operational environments
  • Is self-motivated to solve ambiguous problems involving spacecraft hardware, imaging pipelines, and calibration updates

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Highlight specific experience with imaging sensor calibration, optical metrology, or photogrammetry tools in your resume bullet points

2

Quantify your impact in previous roles on V&V campaigns, imaging anomaly resolution, or satellite payload performance improvements

3

Demonstrate your systems-thinking approach by describing a complex imaging/sensor problem you solved across multiple teams

4

Mention any experience with real-time operations environments, especially in aerospace, defense, or remote sensing contexts

5

Show familiarity with Planet's specific satellite constellations (Dove, SkySat) or their daily monitoring capabilities in your cover letter

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Explain how your imaging sensor or optical metrology experience applies to satellite payload calibration and performance validation', 'Describe your approach to collaborating with hardware and embedded software teams in complex systems environments', "Connect your problem-solving methodology to Planet's mission of providing timely, global Earth observation data", 'Provide a specific example of root-cause analysis you performed on imaging anomalies and the technical fixes deployed']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Planet's satellite constellations (Dove, SkySat) and their specific imaging capabilities and revisit rates
  • → Review Planet's use cases in climate monitoring, agriculture, or disaster response to understand their impact
  • → Explore Planet's technical blog and GitHub repositories to understand their software stack and imaging pipeline architecture
  • → Learn about Planet's partnerships with NASA, ESA, or humanitarian organizations to grasp their operational context

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Technical deep-dive on your experience with Python/C++/FPGA for automated imaging data analysis and calibration
2 Scenario-based questions about troubleshooting imaging anomalies in satellite payloads during ground or flight testing
3 Discussion of your systems-thinking approach to coordinate between spacecraft hardware, mission ops, and imaging pipeline teams
4 Questions about your experience with V&V campaigns for imaging performance requirements in aerospace contexts
5 Behavioral questions about working in ambiguous, real-time operations environments with multiple stakeholders
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic software engineering resume without highlighting imaging sensor, photogrammetry, or remote sensing experience
  • Failing to demonstrate systems-thinking by only describing individual contributions without cross-team collaboration examples
  • Not showing understanding of real-time operations constraints in satellite imaging or aerospace environments

📅 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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