Tech Lead, System Validation

About the Role:

As the System Validation Tech Lead, you are a critical member of the Space Operations team, responsible for the utility and scaling of our multi-mission system validation (“Sysval”) testbeds. In this role, you will sit at the intersection of satellite operations and software engineering, driving the infrastructure that keeps our fleet performing reliably. You will own the end-to-end testbed buildup, maintenance, and tooling necessary to ensure it meets the rigorous needs of engineering. By identifying the largest impactors to testbed uptime, you will define the priorities and roadmap for testbed improvements and automation. You will establish resourcing needs and deliver through a network of mission- and discipline-specific POCs rather than through direct reports. Ultimately, your work directly ensures that new software and firmware updates are validated safely before reaching our active satellites in orbit.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco office 5 days per week.

Impact You'll Own:

Defines and executes the roadmap for the buildout and maintenance of all systems validation testbeds

Drives stakeholder engagement, prioritization of stakeholder feature requests, and resourcing needed to execute

Designs and develops tooling to ensure testbed users can effectively test their software and firmware updates

Manages testbed hardware and software configuration

Maximizes uptime of the multi-mission testbed by triaging and resolving testbed anomalies with support of subject matter experts

What You Bring:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field relevant discipline

4–6 years of relevant testbed or network engineering experience

Experience with Bash, Python or other scripting or object-oriented languages

Experience with Linux or UNIX servers, IP Networks , Docker

Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills

Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions

Demonstrating a customer-centric mindset

Working independently with minimal supervision

What Makes You Stand Out:

Experience with scaling systems on satellite manufacturing and/or testing

Experience in project management with a cross-functional team

Experience in preparing training material or directly training team on new responsibilities

Application Deadline:

11:45p / 23:45 PT on the date stated below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received. For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.

EAR/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.

San Francisco Salary Range

$144,500—$180,600 USD

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance