Planet

Applied Scientist

Planet

part-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: United States

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Salary

💰 $203,300 - $254,100 per year

Job Level

Tech Stack

About the role

  • Lead the "Phase 0" and "Phase A" architecture of new satellite missions, defining orbital parameters, constellation density, and system-level performance requirements.
  • Invent and patent novel solutions for optical payloads, active/passive thermal management, and advanced communication links (RF and Lasercom) to ensure competitive advantage.
  • Build high-fidelity, first-principles simulations to perform rapid trade studies on mission feasibility and hardware-software trade-offs.
  • Publish internal whitepapers and external patent applications to secure the company’s technological moat.
  • Lead the technical contribution for external proposals for Planet’s Space Business.

Requirements

  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related field.
  • 12+ years of experience in satellite system design, with a specific focus on constellation-level engineering.
  • Exceptional understanding of first-principles physics, including thermodynamics, orbital mechanics, and optics.
  • Proficiency in Python and C++ for building custom multiphysics simulation tools.
  • Solving hard engineering problems where thermal constraints directly conflict with optical or communication requirements.
  • Hands-on experience with industry-standard analysis tools.
  • Excellent communication skills to bridge the gap between theoretical research and flight-hardware production.
Benefits
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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools
satellite system designconstellation-level engineeringfirst-principles physicsthermodynamicsorbital mechanicsopticsPythonC++multiphysics simulation toolsthermal management
Soft Skills
communication skillsproblem-solvingleadership
Certifications
Master’s degreePh.D.