Application Guide

How to Apply for Working Student, Tasking

at Planet

🏢 About Planet

Planet operates the world's largest constellation of Earth-imaging satellites, capturing daily imagery of the entire landmass. Their mission is to provide timely, global data to empower environmental stewardship, from monitoring deforestation to tracking agricultural trends. Working here means contributing to a technology-driven company with a tangible impact on planetary sustainability.

About This Role

As a Working Student in Tasking, you'll help optimize the software that manages satellite tasking—deciding which areas to image and when. Your work will directly improve the efficiency of capturing critical Earth data, supporting everything from disaster response to climate research. It's a hands-on role where you'll learn microservices, test automation, and agile development in a real-world context.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing Jira tickets for test automation improvements, then pair with a senior engineer to debug a microservice. After lunch, you'd document a new workflow for tasking operations, and end the day by committing a small Python fix to the test framework. Every task ties back to ensuring satellite imagery is delivered reliably.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Planet Is Looking For

  • A computer science or related student with basic Python or JavaScript/TypeScript skills, eager to apply them in a production environment.
  • Comfortable with agile workflows and excited to learn about test automation, CI/CD, and microservices.
  • Detail-oriented and proactive, able to document processes clearly and support team workflows.
  • Tech-savvy and curious, with a demonstrated interest in satellite imagery, geospatial data, or environmental tech.

📝 Tips for Applying to Planet

1

Tailor your resume to highlight any coursework or projects involving Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript—even if not directly related to satellites.

2

Mention any experience with test automation frameworks (e.g., pytest, Jest) or version control (Git) in your cover letter.

3

Show enthusiasm for Planet's mission by referencing a specific use case of their satellite data (e.g., monitoring wildfires or crop health).

4

If you have a personal project (e.g., a weather app or data analysis), link it to demonstrate your tech savviness.

5

Keep your application concise; Planet values clarity and efficiency, so avoid fluff.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine interest in Planet's mission of global Earth imaging and how it aligns with your values.", 'Highlight your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies, emphasizing your eagerness to contribute to the SDLC.', 'Mention any hands-on experience with Python/JavaScript, test automation, or microservices, even from university projects.', "Show that you're a team player who can document and support workflows, not just code."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Planet's satellite fleet (e.g., Doves, SkySats) and understand how tasking decisions affect image collection.
  • → Read about their APIs and how customers access imagery; familiarity with their platform shows initiative.
  • → Check Planet's blog or news for recent environmental applications (e.g., carbon monitoring, supply chain transparency).
  • → Understand the basics of agile development and how Planet might implement it in a small team.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Explain how you would design a simple test for a microservice endpoint.
2 Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly for a project.
3 How would you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple internal workflows?
4 What interests you about satellite tasking and Earth observation?
5 Walk through your approach to debugging a failing automated test.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing Planet's specific technology or mission.
  • Overstating your experience—be honest about your current skills; they value willingness to learn.
  • Neglecting to mention your enrollment status or availability for part-time work in Germany.

📅 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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