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 unparalleled geometric accuracy and continuous advancement of our satellite imaging products. Your primary responsibility will be to design, develop, and implement automated, scalable processes that guarantee our data consistently meets and surpasses stringent geometric specifications and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• • You will be instrumental in creating sophisticated photogrammetric models, meticulously defining error budgets, and conceptualizing calibration strategies for our high-resolution and next-generation Earth observation satellite constellations. This work is critical for maintaining spatial integrity across a diverse and evolving fleet of imaging satellites.
• • A significant aspect of your role will involve driving the ongoing characterization of system performance, delving deep into the metrics that define our data quality. You will serve as a lead investigator for complex image quality issues, applying your expertise to troubleshoot sensor models and geometric anomalies.
• • Your problem-solving skills will be essential in architecting and implementing robust, long-term fixes that uphold Planet's reputation for delivering exceptionally accurate spatial data.
• • You will perform ongoing space imaging operations, focusing on geometric calibration activities and comprehensive performance characterization to ensure the highest quality of our satellite imagery.
• • The role demands the design and implementation of automated, scalable processes capable of calibrating hundreds of satellites, ensuring that all derived products not only meet but exceed defined specifications and SLAs.
• • Collaboration is key; you will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop advanced performance models, detailed error budgets, and innovative calibration concepts specifically tailored for new, very high-resolution satellite constellations.
• • You will be tasked with troubleshooting intricate geometric image quality issues, a process that involves developing both immediate mitigations and enduring, long-term fixes.
• • This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven company that is revolutionizing how we see and understand our planet. You will be part of a team that is at the forefront of geospatial technology, leveraging cutting-edge satellite imagery to address critical global challenges.
• • Your work will directly impact a wide range of users, from commercial enterprises seeking market intelligence to environmental organizations monitoring climate change, and humanitarian groups responding to disasters. The accuracy and reliability of the data you help ensure are fundamental to their success.
• • You will leverage your programming skills to build and maintain the software infrastructure that underpins our calibration and validation pipelines, ensuring they are efficient, reliable, and adaptable to future needs.
• • The role requires a deep understanding of the entire image processing chain, from the initial capture by sensor electronics and the handling of image ancillary data, through to the complex geometric characterization that defines the spatial accuracy of our products.
• • You will contribute to the evolution of our algorithms and methodologies, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in satellite image processing and geometric correction.
• • This is a unique opportunity to work with a world-class team of engineers and scientists in a fast-paced, innovative environment, making a tangible difference in the world through the power of Earth observation data.
• • You will be expected to stay abreast of the latest advancements in photogrammetry, remote sensing, and software engineering, bringing new ideas and approaches to the team.
• • The position involves working with large-scale, cloud-based datasets, requiring proficiency in scientific computing and the ability to scale solutions effectively using cloud resources.
• • You will be a key player in maintaining and enhancing the geometric fidelity of Planet's data, a cornerstone of our value proposition to customers worldwide.
• • This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives on complex technical challenges, enjoys collaborative problem-solving, and is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems.
• • You will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, actively participating in code reviews, knowledge sharing, and process optimization.
• • The Senior Software Engineer will be a technical leader, mentoring junior engineers and contributing to architectural decisions within the CalVal team.
• • You will be responsible for the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design to implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• • The role emphasizes a hands-on, can-do attitude, fostering effective collaboration and communication within a dynamic, cross-functional team environment.
• • Your work will directly support Planet's mission to use space to help life on Earth by ensuring the highest quality of geospatial data available.