Intern, Payload Systems Engineering

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 world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands. Internships at Planet: Planet’s Summer 2024 internships are full-time, paid 12-week positions located in our San Francisco HQ Office.  Program Dates: May 28th - August 16th June 10th - August 30th About the Role:     Our Payload group is responsible for system-level analysis, operations, simulations, testing, and development of our earth observation payloads. Our team works at the intersection of hardware, software, and product engineering teams within the Space Systems Division. As an intern under the mentorship of experienced Planeteers, you will work on a self-contained project related to improving our payload systems engineering process, which supports the verification and validation (V&V) of our payloads. Impact You’ll Own: Support and drive a multi-organizational System Engineering effort to develop and improve processes related to requirements and V&V plans for our payloads Negotiate and implement interface control documents (ICDs) between payload systems and spacecraft systems Support payload cross-team collaborations between the hardware, mission operations, imaging pipeline, and embedded software teams Support the design, manufacturing, testing and operation of new and advanced imaging systems What You Bring: A systems-thinking approach to working through complex problems Excellent organizational skills with an emphasis on improving already-established documentation Experience in recording detailed and accurate test descriptions and data summaries Experience with the development and execution of test software and analysis in a laboratory setting, such as in Python Excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to collaborate across teams which interface with payload systems What Makes You Stand Out: An understanding of the principles of Systems Engineering (e.g. requirements, V&V, traceability, change control, etc.) Familiarity with optical or imaging systems (e.g. cameras, sensors, general electro-optical devices) Experience leveraging Python and/or C/C++ in a Unix/Linux/AWS environment to automate yourself out of the way through interfaces to supporting test hardware EAR/ITAR Requirements: This position requires access to export-controlled technology, and as such, and in accordance to applicable law, employment is only open to US citizens, US nationals, lawful permanent residents of the US or persons admitted to the US as an asylee or refugee.  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. Why we care so much about Belonging.  We’re 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. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate  north star of Belonging, dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work with diversity, equity and inclusion.  If this job intrigues you, but you’re 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 don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s 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 you’re 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 accommodations@planet.com 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.