Technical Program Manager, Platform & Ecosystem

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, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:  

As a Technical Program Manager (TPM) at Planet, you drive Planet’s largest, complex efforts that cross many teams and organizational boundaries. You provide razor focus to enable execution, manage risk, and are the accountable leader to orchestrate these large-scale, cross-functional efforts. You work closely with team leads to develop and manage end to end program plans and support requirement reviews with internal customers and usher projects through the entire project life cycle. This includes establishing and managing internal processes, project schedules, metrics, KPIs, 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.

As Platform & Ecosystem Group TPM, you’re responsible for efforts that interface with our end users, from signup through discovery and delivery of our imagery and analytics. You’re the focal point for all pertinent cross-functional teams (Engineering, Marketing, Legal, Product Management, Design, etc.) through the development and launch lifecycle of Platform & Ecosystem Programs. You ensure that efforts are resourced appropriately, that risks and roadblocks are surfaced early, and that teams are in cadence to a unified launch. You balance the tactical day-to-day with a forward-looking eye on extensibility and scalability of our platform, ensuring the right tradeoffs between engineering development and time to market are made with stakeholders.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Serve as the overall accountable owner on Planet’s largest, most complex efforts focused on Platform & Ecosystem growth.
• Work directly with individual contributors and executive management to ensure our efforts are in cadence.
• Partner with key program stakeholders (Product Manager, Engineering teams, and others) 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.
• Facilitate technical discussions and decisions with a broad team. Promote healthy debate, encourage and support every member of the team to have a voice. If technical debates arise, facilitate the discussion towards a solution but drive and own the final decision.

What You Bring:

• 6+ years of Technical Program Management or Product Management experience.
• Experience in managing/leading cross-functional projects with stakeholders across a broad organization.
• Experience in software development lifecycle and product development lifecycle.
• Experience managing tight timelines and high customer impact using project/program management best practices and tools.
• Ability to influence without authority.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience with Geospatial Information Systems, remote sensing, and/or imaging.
• Experience in driving go-to-market programs.
• A strong desire to improve processes, tools, and ways of working to scale development cycles.

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.

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.

Compensation (only applicable for Colorado applicants):

The base pay range targeted for this position in Colorado is: $116,100 - $187,200. 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.