Senior Engineering Program Manager
Planet Labs · Berlin, Germany · 2d ago
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:
As a Senior Engineering Program Manager (EPM) at Planet you will sit at the intersection of our hardware, engineering, and external partnerships to drive complex spacecraft programs from inception to launch. You will help set strategy, drive problem-solving efforts, eliminate roadblocks, execute on schedule, and you will be responsible for managing and communicating status and issues along the way. The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise and experience in multiple areas of spacecraft design and manufacturing.
This is a full-time, in-office position based in our Berlin manufacturing hub 5 days per week.
Impact You’ll Own:
- Lead satellite development programs from planning and requirements definition through critical design, build, test, and launch.
- Ensure efficient execution of all program phases, including MCR, SRR, PDR, CDR, IRR, SRR, and LRR.
- Develop project schedules and budgets and track performance across all project phases.
- Oversee execution of technical plans at all levels, both internally and with external suppliers, including project definition, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning.
- Collaborate and coordinate with external stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, vendors, and customers, to manage deliverables, technical plans, and program milestones.
- Coordinate schedules, priorities, and status updates with engineering, manufacturing, teams, stakeholders, and management.
- Work directly with multiple engineering teams and cross-functional stakeholders to drive productivity and progress on concurrent projects.
- Develop tools and processes to measure and improve engineering productivity.
- Drive root cause problem-solving, identify, and eliminate blocking issues.
- Work directly with Program Management, Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain to drive progress on concurrent manufacturing lines and initiatives.
- Lead manufacturing ramp programs from early factory engagement and readiness through key build phases into production.
- Drive root cause analysis for complex engineering and manufacturing issues, identify and eliminate blocking problems, and implement robust corrective actions.
What You Bring:
- 10+ years of relevant experience of program management in aerospace, manufacturing or similar industry.
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, including externally to customers.
- Proficiency in spoken and written German and professional working proficiency in English, the language of the company.
- Experience in an engineering program management role for the development and ramp of hardware systems in a cross-functional context.
- Capability to exercise creative and critical thinking in project execution.
- Experience working with and managing external contract manufacturers (CMs), suppliers, and vendors to drive program success.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Ability to travel internationally, specifically to San Francisco about 2-3 times a year.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience with satellite manufacturing and AI&T.
- Experience with customer management on satellite programs.
- Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to drive strategy based on data.
Application Deadline:
11:45p / 23:45 CET on the date stated below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed earlier than projected if a suitable pool of applications has been received. For this reason, we recommend applying as soon as you are able to.
Export Control Requirements:
Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This position requires access to U.S. and German/EU 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 German, EU, or U.S. authorities.
Benefits While Working at Planet:
These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
- Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off
- Employee Wellness Program
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
- Equity
- Volunteering Paid Time Off
Compensation:
The expected starting gross salary range for this role is listed below. Individual placement within this range is determined objectively based on gender-neutral criteria such as your skills, qualifications, and professional experience. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or equity.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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.
AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a "Planet AI Notetaker" for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.
Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.