Engineering Program Manager, Payload

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:  
The Engineering Program Manager in the EngOps org at Planet must be an excellent organizer and an excellent cross-functional leader with multiple teams, both inside Planet and with external partners. A successful candidate will help set strategy, drive problem solving efforts, eliminate roadblocks, execute on schedule, and be responsible for managing/communicating status and issues along the way. This involves the opportunity to collaborate closely with payload and spacecraft engineers to lead the end-to-end development of payload systems.
Impact You’ll Own:
- Influence, track and lead cross-functional development for Planet’s next generation payloads from ideation to launch
- Drive a multi-organizational engineering program to develop an advanced payload. Develop project schedules, resource plans, budgets, risk mitigation strategies and track performance through all phases of the program
- Drive root cause problem solving, identify, and eliminate blocking issues
What You Bring:
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering (AE, EE,CS) or equivalent experience
- 5+ years in program management, product management, or engineering management focused on the delivery of complex systems
- Experience with program lifecycle management including design, assembly, integration, test and flight operations of imaging hardware
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, to all levels of the organization
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic with a track record of creative and critical thinking
- Passion for establishing a new program for space technology
- Hands-on, can do attitude, interpersonal skills to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders effectively
What Makes You Stand Out:
- You have shipped a product
- You have experience managing spacecraft, payload or optics technology development
- Experience with some of our key technical areas/sub-systems such as telescopes, sensors, cameras
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 $144,500 - $180,600. 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.
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.
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