Senior Software Engineer, Geometry

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Calibration and Validation (CalVal) team, you will be a key contributor to the integrity and evolution of our geometric models. You will design and implement the automated, scalable processes required to ensure our products consistently exceed rigorous geometric specifications and SLAs. You will develop photogrammetric models, error budgets, and calibration concepts for our high-resolution and next-generation monitoring programs, ensuring spatial integrity across diverse fleets. Additionally, you will drive ongoing performance characterization and serve as a lead investigator for complex image quality issues—troubleshooting sensor models and geometric anomalies to architect the long-term fixes that maintain Planet's high standard of spatial data.

This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our Berlin office 3 days per week.

• Perform ongoing space imaging operations, geometric calibration activities and performance characterization
• Design and implement automated scalable processes to calibrate hundreds to satellites to ensure that our products meet and exceed specifications and SLAs
• Collaborate within a cross functional team to develop performance models, error budgets and calibration concepts for new very high resolution constellation
• Troubleshoot geometric image quality issues and developing long-term mitigations and fixes

• 10+ years of industry experience with statistical processing and analysis techniques of large sets of measurement data
• Bachelor’s degree in Photogrammetry, Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics, relevant to geometric characterization of space imaging platforms
• Hands-on, can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
• Understanding of end-to-end image processing chain – from sensor electronics and image ancillary data to geometric characterization
• Passion for Programming, Photography, Remote Sensing, Earth Sciences, and Geography
• Extensive experience leveraging scientific computing using Python in a Unix/Linux environment
• Knowledge of how to scale code with cloud computing resources, e.g. AWS or GCP
• Practical experience in solving problems by exploiting large cloud-based datasets

• 5+ years remote sensing experience + track record of software automation of analysis of imagery/maps
• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant scientific/engineering field
• Hands-on experience with calibrating and operating very high resolution optical satellites
• Familiarity with design and construction of imaging/capture/camera hardware
• Active contribution to open source projects

June 11, 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time)

Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This position requires access to U.S. and German/EU export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by German, EU, or U.S. authorities.

Why we care so much about Belonging. 
We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging—dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work.  If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply!  At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description.  We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts.  We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you’re excited to come along for the ride. 

EEO statement:
Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Know Your Rights.

Accommodations: 
Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a Planet AI Notetaker for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.