Intern, Imaging Systems

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. Internships at Planet: Planet’s Summer 2026 internships are full-time, paid 12-week positions located in our San Francisco HQ Office. Program Dates: June 1 - August 21 June 22 - September 11 About the Role: Planet’s Program and Systems team is seeking an Imaging Systems Intern to help with the development and validation of Planet’s fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. This role is for a systems-thinker who wants to see how physics, hardware, and software converge. You will report to Imaging leadership and collaborate closely with Electro Optics, Thermal, GNC, Mission Software and Operations team to ensure the proper operation of our imaging payloads in the ground and on orbit. This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco office 5 days per week. Impact You'll Own: Collaborate with spacecraft hardware, mission operations, imaging pipeline, and embedded software teams to deliver product needs. Support ground and flight testing, and operation of new and advanced imaging systems Support Verification Validation (VV) campaigns to ensure payloads meet imaging performance requirements. Assist in root-cause analysis for imaging anomalies and contribute to the deployment of technical fixes or calibration updates. What You Bring: Enrolled in an Advanced graduate program (MS/PhD) in Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace engineering or relevant field. A systems-thinking approach to working through complex problems Ready to roll up your sleeve - self-motivated approach to solving ambiguous problems in a real-time operations environment. Academic or project experience in imaging sensors, optical metrology, photogrammetry, computer vision and/or remote sensing/GIS. Strong coding skills (Python/C++/FPGA) for automated data analysis, visualization, and hardware interfacing. Understanding of one or multiple satellite subsystems including: Optical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC Excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to collaborate across teams What Makes You Stand Out: Experience with sensors, telescope optics, or lab-based optical benches. Prior exposure to satellite AIT (Assembly, Integration, Test) or orbital mechanics. Background in Computer Vision, Radiometry, or Geometric Calibration. Experience in software engineering for large-scale data processing of Earth Observation datasets. Application Deadline: April 5, 2026 at 11:59p PT 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. Ben ... (truncated, view full listing at source)