Senior / engineer

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

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.

About the Role:

Join Planet's Software Engineering Team as a Senior Geospatial AI/ML Engineer and help us build the next generation of geospatial intelligence. In this role, you will develop cutting-edge capabilities using geospatial embeddings, advanced multi-modal architectures, unsupervised and semi-supervised techniques, and vision transformers.

You will design, develop, and deploy sophisticated machine-learning models that transform massive imagery and sensor data archives into high-fidelity, actionable intelligence about global activity. Your work will heavily leverage Electro-Optical (EO), Multi-Spectral Imaging (MSI), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) modalities. The ideal candidate exudes an enthusiasm for working in an AI forward development flow. You naturally integrate AI-assisted tools into your workflow to drive your own productivity and enjoy being part of a team that treats AI as a core collaborator in the development lifecycle. The ideal candidate expresses great passion for machine learning, programming, remote sensing, and large-scale scientific computing.

This is a full-time, remote position based in the United States. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

• Apply advanced expertise in multi-modal architectures, LLMs, and vision transformers to process massive datasets from EO, MSI, and SAR sensors.
• Own the complete lifecycle of new models, from data curation and rigorous model analysis to deployment, stability, and continuous improvement.
• Handle and solve complex, ambiguous technical challenges, aligning your solutions with the company's larger goals.
• Use your deep domain expertise to guide future feature development toward high-impact, achievable technical milestones.

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of relevant industry experience in machine learning, data science, or geospatial algorithm development.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS-SCI or TS security clearance.
• Deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), including advanced algorithms, unsupervised/semi-supervised techniques, and strong mathematical foundations.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Ability to balance innovative and creative technological approaches with strong coding talent.
• Expertise that can extend support beyond the Defense and Intelligence (D&I) sectors, aligning with Planet's strategic mission expansion.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and require minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

#LI-REMOTE

Application Deadline:

April 30, 2026 at 11:59p PT

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
• 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity
• Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
• Volunteering Paid Time Off

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). The final salary range is determined by job related experience, skills and location. The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

New York City + California Salary Range

$172,200-$215,200 USD

San Francisco Salary Range

$182,900-$228,600 USD

US National Salary Range

$160,600-$200,800 USD

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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 [email protected] or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

Privacy Policy : By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

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 [email protected] 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.