Planet
Sr. Satcom Modem Engineer
San Francisco, CA · Senior · Contract
Sponsorship not specified$163k-$203kDetected 50 days ago
PythonMATLABAlgorithmsLinuxData AnalysisLLMsSystems EngineeringElectrical EngineeringHardware DesignSignal ProcessingRF EngineeringSensorsSimulinkResearchCommunicationCollaboration
About the role
- Our system utilizes proprietary and industry-standard modems, transceivers across several bands, optical laser communication systems, and a worldwide network of ground stations.
- Responsibilities include characterizing the SDR link performance of Planet's next-generation S through Ka-band and optical terminals, selecting vendors, and managing subcontractors for Satcom solutions.
- You will facilitate and conduct rigorous testing on space and ground communication subsystems to ensure flight readiness.
Responsibilities
- Develop GnuRadio-based ground modem solutions.
- Architect, design, and verify space segment software-defined radios and modems.
- Lead on-orbit performance validation for end-to-end satellite communications systems.
- Lead RF/MW/Optical Communications system integration and testing.
- We continuously iterate on and develop small spacecraft communication systems-including board-level hardware, antennas, and ground station equipment-to achieve record data rates and link performance.
- You will architect, design, simulate, implement, and validate cutting-edge software-defined Satcom radios.
Requirements
- The ideal candidate thrives in an agile, fast-paced environment and is comfortable with ambiguity.
- Strong experience with DSP algorithms, digital communication theory, and implementation (including digital modulation, synchronization, error correction, floating-point, and fixed-point design).
- Experience with Software Defined Radios (SDR), specifically GNU Radio and Linux development tools.
- Experience defining and measuring radio performance metrics in real time (e.g., SNR, BER, PER, and constellation visualization).
- Experience with state-of-the-art RF System-on-Chip (SoC) implementations.
- BS in Electrical/Computer Science or equivalent experience with a focus on digital communicatons.
- What Makes You Stand Out:
- MS or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on digital communications.
- Expertise in Matlab and Simulink for modem design.
- Experience with SDR platforms and associated signal processing libraries (e.g., GNURadio).
- Proficiency in Linux, Python, and data analysis tools.
Skills
- Welcome to Planet.
- Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.
Compensation
- The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below.
- 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
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Benefits
- 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
- Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
- Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
- Volunteering Paid Time Off
- Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity).
Company info
- We are seeking an experienced Satcom Modem Engineer to develop and mature our next-generation onboard satcom links, ground radios, and antenna systems, pushing the frontiers of satellite communications.
Equal opportunity
- 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.
- EEO statement:
Visa & Work Authorization
- 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.
This listing is sourced directly from Planet's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.