Geospatial Software Engineer, Basemaps

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:  

The Calibration, Analytics Ready Data and InterOperability (CARDIO) operations team enables the generation of accurate and interoperable products from Planetscope satellites. There are multiple methods used to characterise image quality and ensure accuracy; from celestial maneuvers to harmonisation of earth-facing on-orbit imagery. The work of the CARDIO team is performed at scale and affects millions of images and terabytes of data. 

There is much work to be done and would be a great experience for an up-and-coming engineer who has experience with image processing code at scale and knowledge of image quality issues. This position will focus on development of the Planet basemaps product. Basemaps are spatially seamless, global scale multi-temporal datasets that provide either radiometric consistency + accuracy or excellent visual quality. While Planet basemaps are a mature product and there is a need for ongoing maintenance, there is also ample opportunity to develop new algorithms and approaches to improve the product.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Driving and implementing continuous improvements in the basemaps product
• Develop image quality metrics and tests to monitor the performance of the code
• Improve color correction, data normalization, and mosaicking methods
• Help create documentation and release material for basemaps
• Troubleshooting image quality issues and deploy software fixes

What You Bring:

• A passion for programming, photography, or natural sciences
• Experience with image processing methods and basic machine learning principles
• Extensive experience with the scientific python ecosystem, specifically numpy + scipy
• Comfort in a Unix/Linux environment and familiarity with shell scripting
• Relevant experience in remote sensing, scientific imaging, or computer vision
• Understanding of core software engineering workflows and principles (e.g. testing, version control, refactoring, separation of concerns)
• Experience contributing to codebases with multiple contributors
• Hands-on, can-do attitude, great interpersonal skills, and ability to collaborate effectively
• BS or higher in a scientific or engineering discipline or similar experience

What Makes You Stand Out:

• 5+ years remote sensing or scientific computing experience + proven track record of software automation of analysis of imagery/maps
• Understanding of color perception + correction and scientific communication principles
• Experience working with open source geospatial software (e.g. gdal-based tools)
• Experience with geospatial data formats and data management
• Some experience with C/C++ in addition to python
• Experience working with distributed systems and data (traditional HPC or cloud)
• Active contribution to open source projects
• Solid background in computer vision, machine learning, and statistics
• MS/PhD in a relevant scientific/engineering field

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. 

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. 

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 interview process, please call Planet's front office at 669-214-9404 or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

Compensation (only applicable for Colorado applicants):

The base pay range targeted for this position in Colorado is: $93,600 - $156,600. This role is eligible for 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.

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.