Analog Circuit Design, Antenna, Circuit Simulation, Communication Skills, Communication Systems, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Dental Insurance, Design Verification, Digital Circuit Design, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Instrumentation, Integration Testing, Laser Communications, Linux Operating System, Marconi/MSI Planet, Mechanical Engineering, Modems, Network Systems, Oscillator, PHY, PLL (Phase-Locked Loop), Physics, Power Amplifier, Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Printed Circuit Board Design, Problem Solving Skills, Python Programming/Scripting Language, RF Transceivers, Radio Frequency, Reimbursement, Satellite Communications, Signal Processing, Software Engineering, System Integration (SI), Testing, Transceivers, Vision Plan, Wheel/Front-End Loader
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 and developed small spacecraft communication systems including board level hardware, antennas, and ground station equipment that produce record data rates. Our system consists of transceivers in several bands, optical laser communications systems and a worldwide network of ground stations.
We are seeking a recent graduate or currently enrolled engineering student for a part time RF and Communications Engineer position to assist in the development of our next-generation onboard links, ground radios and antenna systems that push the frontiers of satellite communications. You will contribute to RF hardware and comms systems development, integration, test and characterization. You will work closely with the RF/Comms team members and interact with cross functional teams - electrical, software and mechanical engineers to address challenging design issues. The ideal candidate will be excited by working in an agile, fast-paced environment, even in times of uncertainty and ambiguity.
This is a part-time, remote position based in the United States. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office 3 days per week.
Impact
Youll Own:
- Assist in the development of GnuRadio based ground modem solution
- Assist in the design and verification of space segment software defined radios and modems
- RF/MW hardware transceivers: RF/Analog/Digital circuit design, simulation, instrumentation, test and characterization
- Support of RF/MW/Optical Comms system bringup, integration and test
What You Bring:
- Senior year level in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science
- Solid fundamentals in RF/MW, electromagnetics, and signal processing
- Ability to adapt and learn a multitude of skills in order to contribute to the design of a complex system including but not limited to modem physical layer (PHY), active RF circuits, transceivers, PLL synthesizers, mixers, switches, RF amplifiers, oscillators, detectors, filters, and other building blocks for space and ground station applications
- Excellent documentation, presentation and communication skills
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science, studying for a graduate degree in STEM
- Experience with Altium or similar EDA tools, high-density PCB design, high speed clock trees
- Experience with software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and respective signal processing libraries (ex.: GNURadio)
- Experience in Linux, Python, and data analysis tools
Application Deadline: April 14, 2026 at 11:59p PT
TEAR/ITAR Requirements:
This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate's ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
Benefits While Working at Planet:
These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
- 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
- Compensation:
The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. 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.