Senior Software Engineer, Orbits R&D

Planet; British Columbia; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to enhance its satellite operations through advanced software solutions. This role involves collaborating with aerospace engineers, designing new software for Flight Dynamics, and mentoring team members. With a focus on a people-centric culture, the company offers a dynamic work environment where your contributions can significantly impact future missions. Join this forward-thinking firm and help shape the future of satellite technology while working remotely or from their Canadian office.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in software engineering.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python with automated testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Architect software for Flight Dynamics and Mission Planning.
• Collaborate with engineers on complex mathematical problems.

Skills

C++

Python

Technical Communication

Applied Mathematics

First-Principles Analysis

Education

Advanced degree in Computer Science

Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering

Advanced degree in Physics

Tools

Docker

Jenkins

JIRA

Linux Systems

Job description

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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 worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About The Role

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will work on a small team of dedicated engineers responsible for the Flight Dynamics and Mission Planning for Planet’s fleet of satellites. The Flight Dynamics disciplines include mission design, orbit determination, maneuver design and execution (with propulsion and differential-drag), and conjunction assessment & mitigation. Mission Planning involves optimal scheduling of imaging and contacts for Planet’s various satellite constellations. You will architect software, write production-level code, lead development of automation tools, and mentor team members.

This is a full-time position, based at our SF headquarters or remote in the US or Canada.

Impact You’ll Own

• Research, design, and architect new software solutions for managing Flight Dynamics and Mission Planning for Planet’s satellites.
• Collaborate with aerospace engineers on complex applied mathematics problems and provide software mentorship.
• Enhance the operations of existing satellite fleets and enable future missions.

What You Bring

• Advanced degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with peer-reviewed code, automated testing, CI/CD.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics and space mission operations.
• Ability to perform first-principles analysis and operationalize MVP solutions.
• Excellent technical communication skills.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Familiarity with Docker, Jenkins, JIRA, Linux systems.
• Experience with orbit determination, high-fidelity propagation, covariance realism, low-thrust mission design, operations research, constellation management, or microservice architecture.

Additional Information

This position requires access to export-controlled information, contingent on ability to access all applicable export licenses.