Planet · 1 day ago
Applied Scientist
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$203K/yr - $254K/yr
12+ years expPlanet is a global company that designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. They are seeking an Applied Scientist to lead the mission concept design for next-generation satellite constellations, focusing on solving complex optical, thermal, and communications challenges.
AerospaceAnalyticsBig DataGeospatialRemote SensingSoftware
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
Experience moving from a 'blank sheet' concept to a breadboard or flight-ready prototype in a high-cadence environment
Benefits
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
Company
Planet
Planet is an aerospace and data analytics company that builds small satellites and delivers information about the changing planet.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Planet has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2022 (5)
2021 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.03BKey Investors
BlackRockBloombergNEFPrelude Ventures
2025-09-09Post Ipo Debt· $460M
2021-12-08Post Ipo Equity· $200M
2021-12-08IPO
Leadership Team
Will Marshall
Co-Founder & CEO
Robbie Schingler
Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer
Recent News
2026-01-13
Morningstar.com
2026-01-12
Company data provided by crunchbase