Senior Software Engineer, Geometry

📋 Description

• • As a Senior Software Engineer on the Calibration and Validation (CalVal) team at Planet, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our Earth-imaging satellite data. Your primary focus will be on the geometric integrity of our products, a critical component for our customers who rely on precise spatial information for a wide range of applications, from environmental monitoring and disaster response to agricultural management and urban planning.
• • You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing automated, scalable processes that are essential for calibrating hundreds of satellites. This ensures that our satellite imagery consistently meets and exceeds stringent geometric specifications and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), maintaining Planet's reputation for high-quality data.
• • A significant part of your role will involve developing sophisticated photogrammetric models, detailed error budgets, and innovative calibration concepts. These efforts are crucial for our high-resolution and next-generation monitoring programs, guaranteeing spatial accuracy across our diverse and expanding satellite fleets.
• • You will be at the forefront of characterizing the ongoing performance of our systems, acting as a lead investigator for complex image quality and geometric anomalies. This requires a deep dive into troubleshooting sensor models and understanding the root causes of geometric distortions to architect robust, long-term solutions.
• • This position offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in the rapidly evolving field of Earth observation. You will contribute to a mission-driven company that is using space to help life on Earth, making a tangible impact on global challenges.
• • Your responsibilities will extend to performing ongoing space imaging operations, conducting detailed geometric calibration activities, and meticulously characterizing system performance. This hands-on involvement ensures a deep understanding of the data pipeline from acquisition to final product.
• • You will collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of engineers, scientists, and product managers. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that our geometric calibration strategies align with the broader goals of product development and customer needs.
• • The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential issues before they impact our customers. You will be empowered to drive improvements in our software and processes, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the CalVal team.
• • You will leverage your expertise in scientific computing, particularly with Python, within a Unix/Linux environment to develop and deploy solutions. Experience with cloud computing platforms like AWS or GCP will be essential for scaling your code and processing large datasets effectively.
• • This is a full-time, remote position based in the Netherlands, offering flexibility while requiring collaboration with colleagues across different time zones and potentially in-office work if located near a Planet office.
• • You will contribute to the evolution of our geometric models, ensuring they remain state-of-the-art and capable of handling the increasing complexity and resolution of data from our satellite constellations.
• • The work involves a blend of theoretical modeling, practical implementation, and rigorous data analysis, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for a seasoned software engineer with a passion for geospatial data and satellite technology.
• • You will be a key player in maintaining the high standards of spatial data accuracy that Planet is known for, directly impacting the value and utility of our data products for a global customer base.
• • This role is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex problems, enjoys working with large-scale datasets, and is passionate about making a difference through technology.