Senior Satcom Modem Engineer

about 1 year ago
Full time role
San Francisco, CA, US... more
San Francisco, CA, US... more

Company

Planet started as a small team of physicists and engineers, and now operates the world's largest constellation of Earth-imaging satellites. ...

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Job Description

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, and The Netherlands.

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, developed and integrated small spacecraft digital 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 a seasoned Satcom modem engineer to develop our next-generation onboard and ground radios that push the frontiers of satellite communications. You will architect, design, simulate, implement and validate evolutionary and revolutionary software defined Satcom radios. You will be responsible for characterizing SDR link performance of Planet’s next-generation S through Ka-band radios. You will be responsible for down-selecting and working with Planet’s vendors and subcontractors on various Satcom solutions. You will facilitate and conduct testing on space and ground communication subsystems and ensure they are flight ready. You will collaborate and work closely with RF, EE, Flight SW and systems engineering, missions, and manufacturing teams to ensure mission success.

Impact You’ll Own:

  • Architect and design Planet’s digital communication schemes for our next generation satellites
  • Implement, verify and validate software defined radios on appropriate platforms (CPU/GPU/FPGAs) using leading edge analysis and synthesis tools
  • Lead the validation of the end-to-end satellite communications systems’ performance.

What You Bring:

  • Strong experience with DSP and digital communication theory and implementation, including digital modulation, synchronization, error correction, etc.
  • Experience with software defined radios, in particular with GNU radio and linux development tools
  • Experience defining and measuring radio performance metrics such as SNR, BER, PER, and constellation visualization in real time
  • Experience with state of the art RF SoC implementations
  • MS in Electrical/Computer Science or similar work experience. Ph.D preferred.

What Makes You Stand Out:

  • Experience with Matlab, Simulink and DSP development tools.
  • Experience in Linux, Python, and data analysis
  • Experience in RF system design, testing, and troubleshooting
  • Experience with HDL development tools (Verilog, VHDL)
  • Excited by working in an agile, fast-paced environment, even in times of uncertainty and ambiguity.  
  • Experience with spacecraft system design, and general EE design is a plus.
  • Experience with SDR design for space systems is a plus.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

  • Comprehensive Health Plan
  • Wellness program and onsite massages in specific offices
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Recognition Programs
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Learning and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Parental Leave
  • Offsites and Happy Hours
  • Volunteering Benefits

Compensation:

The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is $149,600 - $246,000.  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.

#LI-MI1

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. 

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 interview process, please call Planet's front office at 669-214-9404 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.

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