Senior Software Engineer, Geometry

📋 Description

• • As a Senior Software Engineer on the Calibration and Validation (CalVal) team at Planet Labs PBC, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the unparalleled geometric accuracy and integrity of our Earth-imaging satellite data. This position is central to maintaining and advancing the high standards that our global clientele relies upon for critical decision-making across commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors.
• • You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and implementing automated, scalable processes that are crucial for the geometric calibration of our vast satellite constellation. This involves ensuring that hundreds of satellites consistently meet and exceed stringent geometric specifications and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), a task that requires meticulous attention to detail and robust engineering practices.
• • A significant aspect of your role will involve the development of sophisticated photogrammetric models, comprehensive error budgets, and innovative calibration concepts. These will be applied to our high-resolution and next-generation monitoring programs, guaranteeing spatial accuracy and consistency across diverse satellite fleets and imaging capabilities.
• • You will be responsible for the ongoing performance characterization of our imaging systems, meticulously analyzing data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement. This proactive approach is key to maintaining the superior quality of our geospatial products.
• • As a lead investigator for complex image quality issues, you will delve deep into troubleshooting sensor models and geometric anomalies. Your expertise will be critical in architecting and implementing long-term fixes and mitigations that uphold Planet's reputation for spatial data excellence.
• • This role requires a deep understanding of the end-to-end image processing chain, from the intricacies of sensor electronics and the management of image ancillary data to the precise geometric characterization of the final products.
• • You will collaborate closely within a cross-functional team, working alongside experts in various domains to achieve shared objectives. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that our solutions are comprehensive and effective.
• • The position involves performing ongoing space imaging operations, conducting essential geometric calibration activities, and contributing to the overall performance characterization of our satellite systems.
• • You will be tasked with developing and refining performance models and error budgets that accurately reflect the capabilities and limitations of our imaging platforms, providing a solid foundation for quality assurance and future development.
• • A key responsibility is to troubleshoot and resolve geometric image quality issues, a task that demands strong analytical skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving. Your work will directly impact the reliability and usability of our data.
• • You will contribute to the development of calibration concepts for new, very high-resolution constellations, ensuring that Planet remains at the forefront of satellite imaging technology.
• • The role emphasizes a hands-on, can-do attitude, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration within the team and across the organization.
• • You will leverage your passion for programming, photography, remote sensing, Earth sciences, and geography to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results.
• • Extensive experience in scientific computing using Python within a Unix/Linux environment is essential for developing and deploying robust solutions.
• • You will gain practical experience in solving complex problems by exploiting large, cloud-based datasets, contributing to the scalability and efficiency of our data processing pipelines.
• • Knowledge of how to scale code effectively using cloud computing resources, such as AWS or GCP, will be vital for handling the immense volume of data generated by our satellite constellation.
• • This is a full-time, remote position based in Slovenia, offering flexibility while maintaining a high level of impact and contribution to Planet's mission.