Senior GNC Engineer

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, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.About the Role:As a Senior Guidance and Control Engineer, you will work on a small team of dedicated engineers responsible for the attitude determination and control subsystem of the Planet Labs satellites. Key functions include development and implementation of attitude determination and control algorithms, anomaly resolution, spacecraft telemetry trending, and generation/validation of operational products related to attitude determination. You will assist in the development and analysis of new mission concepts and support the development of the state estimation and commanding system for a three axis stabilized spacecraft. You will also build ground testing equipment for concept validation and have the opportunity to take designs from scratch to space operation.This is a full-time, hybrid position and is expected in the San Francisco office 3 days a week.Impact You'll Own:Hardware testingOn-orbit operationsFlight code development Perform technical analysis to support flight operations and inform design decisions for future spacecraftWhat You Bring:Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field6+ years of experience as an estimation/controls engineer or related positionPractical experience developing production-quality real-time systems in C for microcontroller or embedded Linux targetExperience with Matlab/SimulinkFamiliarity with software engineering tools and processes (version control, code review, regression testing)Ability to test, evaluate and guide ADCS hardware decisionsWorking knowledge of optimal state estimation and control theory, force and momentum formulations, numerical methods and 6-DOF simulationsAbility to carry out first-principles analysis and derive control/estimation specificationsPractical experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systemsWilling to do hands-on experiments and testingWhat Makes You Stand Out: Masters degree in Aerospace engineering Experience with STK, PythonPropulsion expertiseEstablished record of spacecraft project experienceExperience in the design and calibration of low-cost sensors and actuatorsBasic understanding of orbital mechanicsExperience in spacecraft or related flight operationsSignificant publications or conference presentationsApplication Deadline:October 9, 2025 by 11:59 PM PDTEAR/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 plansHealth Savings Account (HSA) with a company contributionGenerous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off 16 Weeks of Paid Parental LeaveWellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Home Office ReimbursementMonthly Phone and Internet ReimbursementTuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn LearningEquityCommuter Benefits (if local to an office)Volunteering Paid Time OffCompensation: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 USDWhy 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. 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. Know Your Rights.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 hiring process, please reach out to [email protected] 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.Originally posted on Himalayas

Apply Now