Sr. Satcom Modem 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:

Planet is developing the next generation of small satellite buses, featuring high-resolution optical imaging payloads, a space-based data center connected by optical inter-satellite links (OISLs), and high-speed RF/Microwave communication links. We continuously iterate on and develop small spacecraft communication systems—including board-level hardware, antennas, and ground station equipment—to achieve record data rates and link performance. Our system utilizes proprietary and industry-standard modems, transceivers across several bands, optical laser communication systems, and a worldwide network of ground stations.

We are seeking an experienced Satcom Modem Engineer to develop and mature our next-generation onboard satcom links, ground radios, and antenna systems, pushing the frontiers of satellite communications. You will architect, design, simulate, implement, and validate cutting-edge software-defined Satcom radios. Responsibilities include characterizing the SDR link performance of Planet’s next-generation S through Ka-band and optical terminals, selecting vendors, and managing subcontractors for Satcom solutions. You will facilitate and conduct rigorous testing on space and ground communication subsystems to ensure flight readiness. Success requires close collaboration with RF, EE, FPGA, Flight SW, systems engineering, missions, operations and manufacturing teams.

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

Impact You'll Own:

Develops GnuRadio-based ground modem solutions.

Drives the path from waveform concept and system analysis to floating point reference models, fixed point bit true models, and FPGA handoff.

Lead on-orbit performance validation for end-to-end satellite communications systems.

Spearheads RF/MW/Optical Communications system integration and testing.

Supports integration, test, and qualification of ground and space segment software-defined radios and modems.

Collaborates across multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure flight readiness and link performance.

What You Bring:

10+ years of relevant work experience in satellite communications or digital signal processing.

Extensive experience with waveform and communications theory, baseband DSP algorithms, and implementation (including channel estimation, digital modulation, synchronization, error correction, floating-point, and fixed-point design).

Experience with Software Defined Radios (SDR), specifically GNU Radio and Linux development tools.

Experience with FPGA design workflow.

Experience defining and measuring radio performance metrics in real time (e.g., SNR, BER, PER, and constellation visualization).

Experience with state-of-the-art RF System-on-Chip (SoC) implementations.

MS in Electrical/Computer Science or equivalent experience.

What Makes You Stand Out:

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on digital communications.

Expertise in Matlab and Simulink for modem design.

Experience with SDR platforms and associated signal processing libraries (e.g., GNURadio).

Proficiency in Linux, Python, and data analysis tools.

Experience with optical communications and links for space applications.

Expertise in Radar and/or Phased Array technology

Application Deadline:

11:45pm PT on the date stated below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received. For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to 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 the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

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.

San Francisco Salary Range

$205,800 — $257,200 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