Job Details

Overview

Planet is seeking an experienced RF and Microwave Engineer to develop next-generation onboard and ground radios and antenna systems for satellite communications. You will work on S-band through Ka-band radios and a variety of antennas, including architecture, design and test, and will collaborate with cross-functional teams to address challenging design issues and ensure mission success. This role requires physical presence at our headquarters in San Francisco, CA, 3 days a week.

Responsibilities

• RF/MW hardware transceiver and circuit design up to 30 GHz, including 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 signal processing algorithms for narrowband and wideband data transmission
• Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and libraries (e.g., GNURadio)
• Validation and verification of radios and antennas pre-shipment and validation of radio performance on orbit after launch

What You Bring

• BSEE required; MS/PhD preferred
• 10+ years of RF & MW engineering experience designing and maturing RF & MW systems, transceivers, antennas and/or SDRs
• Strong fundamentals in RF/MW, electromagnetics and signal processing
• Experience owning RF/MW circuit design, layout, component selection and evaluation
• Extensive lab experience with RF/MW and mixed-signal board bring-up, characterization and testing
• Ability to adapt and learn a range of skills to contribute to complex systems (e.g., active RF circuits, transceivers, PLLs, mixers, RF amplifiers, A/D-D/A, FPGAs for space and ground station apps)
• Strong documentation, presentation and communication skills

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience with Altium or similar EDA tools and high-density mixed-signal PCB design
• Knowledge of digital communications theory and signal processing for narrowband/wideband systems
• Experience in Linux, Python, and data analysis tools
• Ability to work in an agile, fast-paced environment
• Proven problem-solving capabilities in dynamic situations
• Understanding of cross-team dependencies across electrical, software, mechanical, thermal, structural, manufacturing, and Space environmental considerations

Requirements & Compliance

EAR/ITAR: This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon ability to access applicable export-controlled information without additional licensing.

Compensation & Benefits

The US base salary range is listed below with potential discretionary short-term and long-term incentives. Final salary is determined by experience, skills and location. San Francisco Salary Range: $182,900—$228,600 USD.

Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision, HSA with company contribution, generous PTO, 16 weeks of Paid Parental Leave, remote-friendly work environment, Wellness Program and EAP, Home Office and Monthly Phone/Internet Reimbursement, Tuition Reimbursement and LinkedIn Learning, Equity, Commuter Benefits, and Volunteering Paid Time Off.

Application Deadline

March 7, 2026 by 11:59 PM PST

EEO & Accommodations

Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs. We are an equal opportunity employer and invite people from all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact ...@planet.com.

Privacy

Privacy notices apply to applicants in California and Europe as described in our job posting.