Talent Acquisition Partner, Space Systems

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 Planets data to develop new technologies drive revenue power research and solve our worlds 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 designs builds and launches the largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites in history and the Space Systems organization is where that hardware comes to life. From satellite manufacturing and integration to RF engineering thermal design power systems and deployable structures this team is responsible for the physical infrastructure that makes global daily imaging possible. As we scale production for our next-generation constellations and stand up a second manufacturing hub in Berlin the hiring demand across Space Systems is the largest and most technically complex in the company.

As a Talent Acquisition Partner embedded in the Space Systems pod you will own full-cycle recruiting for roles spanning hardware engineering manufacturing operations satellite integration and test and specialized technical disciplines. You will develop deep domain expertise in the talent markets that matter most learning the difference between an RF systems engineer and an optical designer understanding why FPGA firmware experience matters for satellite avionics and knowing which companies and programs produce the candidates our hiring managers need.

This is a pod-based role meaning your alignment to Space Systems is persistent not rotational. You will build lasting relationships with hiring managers across the organization develop a point of view on their teams and talent needs and become a trusted partner who can anticipate demand rather than just react to it. You will work alongside a senior Talent Acquisition Partner who brings deep institutional knowledge of Space Systems hiring.

This role is based in San Francisco where Planets headquarters and primary satellite manufacturing facility are located. Proximity to the Space Systems team the manufacturing floor and the engineering labs matters it allows you to build credibility with hiring managers attend design reviews and team events and develop the contextual understanding that separates a great technical recruiter from a generalist filling reqs.

You will report to the Senior Manager Talent Acquisition and partner closely with your pod teammate and Talent Operations to deliver against quarterly hiring targets while maintaining a high-quality candidate experience.

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

Impact Youll Own:

• Own full-cycle recruiting for Space Systems roles from intake and sourcing strategy through offer negotiation and close across hardware engineering manufacturing satellite integration and test and specialized technical disciplines.
• Manage a requisition load of 1015 active searches at a time spanning a wide range of engineering specialties including mechanical electrical RF thermal power FPGA and manufacturing operations.
• Build deep trusted partnerships with Space Systems hiring managers learning their team structures technical requirements and growth plans so you can anticipate hiring needs and proactively build pipeline before requisitions open.
• Develop domain expertise in aerospace and hardware engineering talent markets understanding where top candidates come from what motivates them and how Planets mission and technical challenges differentiate us from competitors.
• Collaborate with your pod teammate to balance workload across the Space Systems portfolio share market intelligence and ensure coverage continuity during peak hiring periods or planned absences.
• Maintain accurate pipeline data in Greenhouse run structured pipeline reviews and use data to identify bottlenecks adjust sourcing strategies and forecast delivery against quarterly targets.
• Champion candidate experience throughout the process ensuring timely communication well-prepared interview panels and a close process that reflects the quality of the organization candidates are joining.
• Contribute to the broader TA teams evolution by sharing best practices from technical recruiting participating in process improvement initiatives and helping refine interview frameworks for engineering roles.

What You Bring:

• 4 years of full-cycle recruiting experience with meaningful time spent hiring for hardware engineering manufacturing or other technical disciplines in aerospace defense automotive or adjacent industries.
• Bachelors Degree in a relevant field.
• Ability to source and close passive candidates in competitive technical markets where talent pools are limited and candidates have multiple offers.
• Experience managing a high-volume requisition load (10 concurrent searches) while maintaining quality pipeline activity and consistent hiring manager communication.
• Solid technical fluency you dont need to be an engineer but you need to credibly discuss the difference between analog and digital circuit design understand what a thermal vacuum test is and learn new technical domains quickly.
• Experience partnering with sourcers or coordinating with external agencies to build pipelines for hard-to-fill roles with a clear point of view on when to self-source versus leverage support.
• Proficiency with Greenhouse or a comparable ATS including pipeline management reporting and structured interview workflows.
• Excellent judgment on candidate assessment you can calibrate quickly with a hiring manager push back constructively on unrealistic requirements and advocate for strong candidates who might not check every box.
• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail you manage multiple concurrent processes without letting candidates or hiring managers fall through the cracks.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Direct experience recruiting for satellite spacecraft or launch vehicle programs you understand the engineering disciplines the clearance requirements and the competitive landscape.
• Familiarity with export control and ITAR compliance as it relates to recruiting understanding how citizenship and clearance requirements shape candidate pools and sourcing strategies.
• Experience recruiting for manufacturing operations roles (technicians integration specialists test engineers) in addition to design engineering comfortable spanning the full spectrum from hourly to senior IC.
• Track record of hiring in the San Francisco Bay Area aerospace and hardware ecosystem with an existing network in the local talent community.
• Experience working in a pod-based or business unit-aligned recruiting model where you developed deep domain expertise over time rather than rotating across functions.

Application Deadline:

June 25 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time)

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 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.
Were 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. Thats why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belongingdreaming big as we approach our ongoing work. If this job intrigues you but youre 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 dont just fill positions we aspire to fulfill peoples 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 youre 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. Know Your Rights.

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 hiring process please reach out to 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.

Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking Apply Now at the top of this job posting I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe and hereby consent to the collection processing use and storage of my personal information as described therein.

AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such with the candidates consent select interviews may be recorded and include a Planet AI Notetaker for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect ones candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources including AI tools to prepare for interviews and assessments. However during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position the use of AI toolse.g. Large Language Models (LLMs) deep fake technology strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation please contact with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.