Sr. Satcom Modem Engineer

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 is developing the next generation of small satellite buses featuring high-resolution optical imaging payloads a space-based data center connected by optical inter-satellite links (OISLs) and high-speed RF/Microwave communication links. We continuously iterate on and develop small spacecraft communication systemsincluding board-level hardware antennas and ground station equipmentto achieve record data rates and link performance. Our system utilizes proprietary and industry-standard modems transceivers across several bands optical laser communication systems and a worldwide network of ground stations.

We are seeking an experienced Satcom Modem Engineer to develop and mature our next-generation onboard satcom links ground radios and antenna systems pushing the frontiers of satellite communications. You will architect design simulate implement and validate cutting-edge software-defined Satcom radios. Responsibilities include characterizing the SDR link performance of Planets next-generation S through Ka-band and optical terminals selecting vendors and managing subcontractors for Satcom solutions. You will facilitate and conduct rigorous testing on space and ground communication subsystems to ensure flight readiness. Success requires close collaboration with RF EE Flight SW systems engineering missions and manufacturing teams.

The ideal candidate thrives in an agile fast-paced environment and is comfortable with ambiguity.

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:

• Develop GnuRadio-based ground modem solutions.
• Architect design and verify space segment software-defined radios and modems.
• Lead on-orbit performance validation for end-to-end satellite communications systems.
• Lead RF/MW/Optical Communications system integration and testing.

What You Bring:

• Strong experience with DSP algorithms digital communication theory and implementation (including digital modulation synchronization error correction floating-point and fixed-point design).
• Experience with Software Defined Radios (SDR) specifically GNU Radio and Linux development tools.
• Experience defining and measuring radio performance metrics in real time (e.g. SNR BER PER and constellation visualization).
• Experience with state-of-the-art RF System-on-Chip (SoC) implementations.
• BS in Electrical/Computer Science or equivalent experience with a focus on digital communicatons.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• MS or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on digital communications.
• Expertise in Matlab and Simulink for modem design.
• Experience with SDR platforms and associated signal processing libraries (e.g. GNURadio).
• Proficiency in Linux Python and data analysis tools.
• Experience with optical communications and links for space applications.
• Expertise in Radar and/or Phased Array technology.

Application Deadline:

August 1 2026 at 11:59pm PST

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.

• 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.