Technical Program Manager

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 headquartered in San Francisco, California, Earth.

About the Role:  

As a Technical Program Manager (TPM) at Planet, you will lead complex, multi-disciplinary projects using your engineering, product and program expertise. You will plan and support requirement reviews with internal customers and usher projects through the entire project life cycle. This includes managing project schedules, identifying risks, and clearly communicating them to project stakeholders. You're equally at home explaining your team's analyses and recommendations to executives as you are discussing the technical trade-offs in product development with engineers.

Promote collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams including Planet’s Engineering, Product Management, Product Marketing, Business Development, Sales - Customer Success (pre and post), and Operations for product planning to launches. You will be expected to support PMO lead for roadmap planning, priorities, risks and change management.

As a TPM, you will champion execution, ensuring clear and focused release plans are aligned across the team to ultimately bring innovative products to market.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Lead release planning activities for projects assigned and effectively track product release progress, including burn down, velocity & release for launches
• Partner with Product Management, Product Marketing and Engineering team members to scope and execute across various technical projects
• Communicate vertically & horizontally across Planet to keep stakeholders informed of technical progress, priorities, risks, and any changes to requirements or plans
• Conduct effective meetings and maintain minutes/notes & follow up on action items
• Drive on-going process improvements across engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure productivity and progress on multiple projects

What You Bring:

• 8+ years of consumer facing Software Development/ Enterprise Architecture/Technical Program & Product Management experience.
• Bachelor's or master's Degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to Influence without authority and working with multiple roles across Company/ organizations
• Demonstrated experience in managing/leading cross-functional projects with stakeholders across a company, manage tight timelines and high customer impact using project management best practices and tools
• Proven experience with Scrum framework across multiple teams & projects with a deep understanding of Agile and Lean principles
• A solid grasp of the business side of technology with an understanding and enthusiasm for metrics and analysis to deliver on business objectives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills at the technical level
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills
• Must be energetic, creative, and self-motivated

Benefits While Working at Planet:

• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Wellness program and onsite massages in specific offices
• Flexible Time Off
• Recognition Programs
• Commuter Benefits
• Learning and Tuition Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Offsites and Happy Hours
• Volunteering Benefits

Some Press About Us: 

Our CEO, Will Marshall featured on TED and featured in a Planet Blog

“Planet: Bringing Space Back Down to Earth”

Tiny, privately owned satellites are changing how we view the Earth features in NBC News

“Planet And Rocket Lab Create Mission Patch To Honor Women In Aerospace” —Planet Blog

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 with diversity, equity and inclusion.  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. 

Compensation (For Colorado Applicants Only):

The base pay range targeted for this position in Colorado is: $138,600- $187,200. This role is eligible for bonus and equity.

The actual offer, including the compensation package, is determined based on multiple factors, including experience, location, and other business considerations.

Planet is registered as an employer in many, but not all, states. If you are not able to work from a state where Planet is registered, you will not be eligible for employment.