How to apply for Werkscontroller (m/w/d) / Controller Manufacturing

About Planet

Planet operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites and provides a cloud-based platform for Earth data. It is both a hardware and data company, controlling design, manufacturing, data processing, and software. The company serves commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors and has employees working remotely worldwide, with offices in the US, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.

About the role

This Werkscontroller / Controller Manufacturing role bridges Planet's new Berlin manufacturing facility and its US financial operations. You will lead cost accounting workflows and serve as a key financial contact for the manufacturing site. The position is remote within Germany and full-time.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing cost accounting data for the Berlin manufacturing facility, preparing reports for US financial operations, and communicating with colleagues in different time zones. You could also work on process improvements for cost tracking or meet with manufacturing staff to understand production flows. Specific daily routines are not described in the job details, so ask about typical tasks and team interactions during the interview.

Who Planet is looking for

• Experience in cost accounting or manufacturing controlling, ideally in a facility that produces hardware or technical products.
• Familiarity with German accounting standards (HGB) and US GAAP, since you will connect Berlin and US finance teams.
• Ability to work remotely and collaborate across time zones with US-based colleagues.
• Strong communication skills in both German and English to coordinate between local manufacturing and US financial operations.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have with both German and US accounting practices, as the role explicitly bridges Berlin and US operations.
• Mention specific cost accounting tasks you have handled, such as inventory valuation, variance analysis, or standard costing, because the job description mentions leading cost accounting workflows.
• If you have worked in a manufacturing environment, describe the type of production (e.g., electronics, hardware, satellites) and your role in financial processes.
• Note your ability to work remotely and coordinate with teams in different time zones, since Planet has a global remote workforce.
• Use the job title exactly as given (Werkscontroller / Controller Manufacturing) in your application materials to show attention to detail.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience connecting local manufacturing finance with US-based financial operations or reporting.', 'Specific cost accounting workflows you have led, including any tools or systems used.', 'Your familiarity with both German and US accounting standards and how you have applied them.', "Your interest in Planet's work with satellite data and how your controlling skills support a manufacturing facility that builds hardware for that purpose."]

Research before applying

• Planet's satellite constellation and the types of data it provides to customers.
• Planet's global office locations and remote work policy, especially in Germany.
• The Berlin manufacturing facility and what it produces, if public information is available.
• Planet's financial reporting structure and any public financial statements to understand US operations.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would set up cost accounting workflows for a new manufacturing facility.
• Your experience with German HGB and US GAAP and how you handle differences between them.
• Examples of working remotely with US-based finance teams and managing time zone differences.
• How you would bridge communication between a Berlin manufacturing site and US financial operations.
• Your understanding of Planet's business model as both a space company and a data company.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without mentioning any experience in manufacturing controlling or cost accounting.
• Ignoring the dual German and US financial aspect of the role, which is central to the position.
• Failing to address remote work and cross-time-zone collaboration, since the role is remote and bridges Berlin and US teams.