Technical Lead, Data Pipeline GPU / Python / C++

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, and The Netherlands.

About the Role:  

The Data Pipeline team is seeking a technical lead for its accelerated Pelican Data Pipeline. Pelican is Planet's next-generation high resolution satellite constellation, which is planned to offer orders-of-magnitude improvements in capacity, speed, and accuracy to supplement our SkySats in orbit today. Our Data Pipeline team processes vast quantities of satellite image data into beautiful, visual products that provide scientifically useful analytics and actionable information. You will design and build a high-performance Pelican data pipeline capable of delivering responsive, rapid, and high-resolution data to those who need to keep pace with change. Your objectives will require deep domain knowledge in accelerating imagery analysis and involve tight-knit cross-organizational collaboration. Join us to have a tangible impact on a category-defining earth observation mission.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Lead tight-knit team on accelerated schedule to sculpt an operational high-performance pipeline capable of delivering responsive, rapid, and very-high-resolution data.
• Ensure rigorous customer specifications for image quality, processing speed, and data product quality are met
• Collaborate with engineering manager and other senior engineers to set priorities and staffing
• Troubleshoot field quality issues
• Participate in an on-call rotation in support of Pipeline operations

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of software development experience with a background in hands-on technical leadership
• Experience building and architecting scalable systems from the ground up
• Experience writing efficient production code in Python and C++ using GPGPU programming
• Deep knowledge optimizing code with parallel processing, e.g. multithreading, GPU acceleration
• Experience leveraging scientific computing in a Unix/Linux environment

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience using and writing software to manipulate geospatial data
• Experience with existing and evolving standards for representing geospatial data on the web
• A passion for Programming, Photography, Remote Sensing, Earth Sciences, and Geography

Benefits While Working at Planet:

• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Wellness program and onsite massages in specific offices
• Flexible Time Off
• Recognition Programs
• Commuter Benefits
• Learning and Tuition Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Offsites and Happy Hours
• Volunteering Benefits

Some Press About Us: 

Our CEO, Will Marshall featured on TED and featured in a Planet Blog

“Planet: Bringing Space Back Down to Earth”

Tiny, privately owned satellites are changing how we view the Earth features in NBC News

“Planet And Rocket Lab Create Mission Patch To Honor Women In Aerospace” —Planet Blog

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 with diversity, equity and inclusion.  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. 

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 interview process, please call Planet's front office at 669-214-9404 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.

Compensation (only applicable for Colorado applicants):

The base pay range targeted for this position in Colorado is: $138,600 - $211,500. This role is eligible for equity.

The actual offer, including the compensation package, is determined based on multiple factors, including experience, location, and other business considerations.

Planet is registered as an employer in many, but not all, states. If you are not able to work from a state where Planet is registered, you will not be eligible for employment.

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