Intern, RF and Optical Communications

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.

Internships at Planet:

Planets Summer 2026 internships are full-time paid 12-week positions located in our San Francisco HQ Office.

Program Dates:

• June 1 - August 21
• June 22 - September 11

About the Role:

Planet is working on the next generation small satellite bus that will host a high resolution optical imaging payload (Pelican) and a hyperspectral payload (Carbon Mapper). Planet has continuously iterated and developed small spacecraft communication systems including board level hardware antennas and ground station equipment that produce record data rates. Our system consists of transceivers in several bands as well as a worldwide network of ground stations.

We are seeking an RF/Optical Communications summer intern to develop our next-generation onboard ground radios modems and antenna systems that push the frontiers of satellite communications. As a RF/Optical Comms Intern you will assist the team in making evolutionary and revolutionary improvements in their performance reliability and cost including the design of next-generation S-band through Ka-band radios Intersatellite Optical communications and a variety of antennas as well as contribute to various ongoing projects. You will participate in design and implementation of communication systems PCB layout projects and interface with cross functional teams - electrical FPGA DSP software and mechanical engineers to address challenging design issues.

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:

• RF/MW hardware transceiver and circuit design simulation (Spice ADS HFSS) instrumentation test and characterization.
• Modem design implementation validation and verification
• Antenna design simulation and testing
• Digital communications theory and associated signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems
• Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and respective signal processing toolkits (ex.: GNURadio)
• Optical communication systems integration and test
• Validation and Verification of radios and antennas pre-shipment and validation of radio performance on orbit after satellite launch.

What You Bring:

• Graduate or Ph. D. candidate pursuing a dissertation in a related RF Optical Communications field.
• Passion for RF/MW communications electromagnetics and signal processing
• Ability to adapt and learn a multitude of technical skills related to the position and other building blocks for space and ground station applications.
• Excellent documentation presentation and communication skills.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience with Optical comms systems
• Class projects prior internships or contribution to open source projects in the areas of digital signal processing and digital communications
• Understanding of finite word length effects in the implementation of DSP algorithms.
• Knowledge of mixed signal (A/D D/A) digital FPGA and uProcessor design bringup interfacing and prototyping.
• Experience in Linux Python MATLAB/Simulink and data analysis tools
• Experience with at least one RF/MW design and simulation suites (ADS HFSS Microwave Office)
• Experience utilizing AI tools and agentic workflows for rapid development.

Application Deadline:

April 30 2026 at 11:59p PT

EAR/ITAR Requirements:

This position requires access to export-controlled information and as such employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidates ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Commuter Benefits
• Paid time off for holidays and company-wide days off
• Internet reimbursement
• Access to LinkedIn Learning

Compensation:

The US hourly rate range for this position at the commencement of employment is $35 - $60. 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.