Planet Logo

Planet

Senior RF Engineer

Job Posted 7 Days Ago Reposted 7 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
San Francisco, CA
145K-200K Annually
Senior level
San Francisco, CA
145K-200K Annually
Senior level
The Senior RF Engineer will develop advanced RF and microwave systems, oversee design and testing, and collaborate across teams to enhance satellite communications systems.
The summary above was generated by AI

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:

Planet is working on the next generation small satellite bus that will host a high resolution optical imaging payload (Pelican) and a hyperspectral payload (Carbon Mapper). Planet has continuously iterated and developed small spacecraft communication systems including board level hardware, antennas, and ground station equipment that produce record data rates. Our system consists of transceivers in several bands, as well as a worldwide network of ground stations.  

We are seeking an experienced RF and Microwave Engineer to develop our next-generation onboard, ground radios and antenna systems that push the frontiers of satellite communications. You will make evolutionary and revolutionary improvements in their performance, reliability, and cost, including the architecture, design and test of next-generation S-band through Ka-band radios and a variety of antennas, as well as work with vendors on various design projects. You will be responsible for PCB layout projects and interface with cross functional teams - electrical, software and mechanical engineers to address challenging design issues. You will conduct environmental and EMC testing on communication subsystems and get them ready for flight. You will work closely with systems engineering, missions, and manufacturing teams to ensure mission success.

This role will require you to be physically present at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA, 3 days a week.

Impact You'll Own:

  • RF/MW hardware transceiver and circuit design up to 30GHz, simulation (Spice, ADS), instrumentation, test and characterization
  • RF/MW system design, link budgets, and interference analysis
  • EMI testing and mitigation
  • Antenna design, simulation and testing (ADS, HFSS)
  • Digital communications theory and associated signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and respective signal processing libraries (ex.: GNURadio)
  • Validation and Verification of radios and antennas pre-shipment and validation of radio performance on orbit after satellite launch

What You Bring:

  • BSEE is required, MS/PhD preferred
  • 6+ years of engineering excellence designing and maturing RF & MW systems, transceivers, antennas and/or SDRs to market, ability to review low-level design decisions and understand their impact to the larger system/mission
  • Sound fundamentals in RF/MW, electromagnetics and signal processing
  • Proven track record of owning, designing and criticizing RF/MW circuit design, RF/MW layout, component selection and evaluation
  • Extensive lab experience with RF/MW and mixed-signal board bring up, characterization and test using various RF, MW, Analog and Digital test equipment
  • Proven ability to adapt and learn a multitude of skills in order to develop/contribute to the design of complex systems including, but not limited to: Active RF circuits, integrated transceivers, PLL synthesizers, mixers, switches, RF amplifiers, oscillators, detectors, filters, A/D and D/A converters, microprocessors and FPGAs for space and ground station applications
  • Excellent documentation, presentation and communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out: 

  • Experience with Altium or similar EDA tools, high-density mixed-signal PCB design, high speed clock trees
  • Knowledge of digital communications theory and associated signal processing algorithms for both narrowband and wideband data transmission systems 
  • Experience in Linux, Python, and data analysis tools
  • Comfortable working in an agile, fast-paced environment 
  • Proven ability to provide solutions to address and unblock dynamic situations
  • Understanding of cross-team dependencies including electrical, software, mechanical, thermal, structural, manufacturing and Space environmental


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
  • Remote-friendly work environment 
  • 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$200,000 USD

Why 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 accommodations@planet.com 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.

Top Skills

Ads)
Antenna Design (Ads
Emc Testing
Gnuradio
Hfss)
Ka-Band
Linux
Pcb Layout
Python
Rf/Mw Hardware Design
S-Band
Simulation Tools (Spice

Planet San Francisco, California, USA Office

Located in sunny SOMA, just a few blocks from the San Francisco Giants ballpark. Steps from world-class restaurants and public transportation.

Similar Jobs

22 Hours Ago
Hybrid
El Segundo, CA, USA
87K-150K Annually
Mid level
87K-150K Annually
Mid level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
As an RF/Microwave Engineer, you'll develop microwave hardware for radar and communication systems, perform circuit analysis, and implement advanced measurement techniques.
Top Skills: AdsMatlabMicrowave OfficePython
13 Days Ago
Hybrid
2 Locations
129K-250K Annually
Senior level
129K-250K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
The Senior RF Spectrum Engineer will perform interference analysis for communications systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor junior staff while collaborating with various stakeholders in the spectrum management sector.
Top Skills: MatlabPythonRf CommunicationsSpectrum RegulationsStkVisualyse
16 Days Ago
Hybrid
2 Locations
166K-250K Annually
Senior level
166K-250K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
The role involves developing prototypes for signal processing, providing technical guidance, and engaging with customers in the aerospace sector.
Top Skills: Ai/MlC++Gnu RadioLinuxMatlabPythonSdr

What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene

San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.

Key Facts About San Francisco Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
  • Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
  • Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
By clicking Apply you agree to share your profile information with the hiring company.

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account