Planet Labs: A Culture of Innovation, Collaboration, and Global Impact

Employee Experiences: Solving Earth’s Biggest Challenges from Space

At Planet Labs, employees don’t just build satellites—they redefine how we understand our planet. The company’s mission to image the entire Earth daily and provide actionable data drives a culture of relentless innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Real Stories of Innovation and Problem-Solving

- From Concept to Orbit in Record Time
When Planet needed to rapidly deploy a new satellite constellation to improve imaging resolution, a cross-functional team of engineers, data scientists, and mission operators worked around the clock. "We went from whiteboard sketches to launch-ready hardware in under a year," recalls Maria Chen, a spacecraft systems engineer. "The pace is intense, but the impact—seeing our data used for disaster response or deforestation tracking—makes it worth it."

- AI-Powered Insights from Space
Planet’s data science team developed machine learning models to detect illegal fishing vessels by analyzing satellite imagery. "We trained algorithms to spot ships that weren’t broadcasting their locations," says James Park, a senior data scientist. "When our models helped authorities intercept a vessel engaged in illegal fishing, it was a reminder that our work isn’t just about technology—it’s about protecting the planet."

- Collaboration Across Continents
Planet’s global team spans San Francisco, Berlin, and Washington, D.C., with engineers, scientists, and operators working seamlessly across time zones. "I might start my day reviewing telemetry data from our Berlin team, then jump on a call with our U.S. mission control to adjust satellite tasking," shares Anika Patel, a mission operations specialist. "The collaboration is constant, and everyone’s input is valued."

Celebrating Wins—Big and Small

Planet celebrates milestones in unique ways:
- "First Light" Parties – When a new satellite captures its first image, teams gather (virtually or in-person) to toast the achievement.
- Impact Awards – Quarterly recognition for employees whose work directly contributed to real-world outcomes, like tracking wildfires or monitoring agricultural health.
- Hackathons & "Fail Faires" – Employees showcase experimental projects, even those that didn’t succeed, to foster a culture where risk-taking is encouraged.

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Work Environment: Flexibility, Balance, and Global Connectivity

Planet Labs understands that groundbreaking work requires a supportive, flexible environment. The company has pioneered a hybrid-first model that prioritizes both collaboration and individual well-being.

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility

- Unlimited PTO (And Employees Actually Use It)
Planet doesn’t just offer unlimited paid time off—it actively encourages employees to take it. "My manager once told me, ‘If you’re not taking at least four weeks a year, you’re not doing your best work,’" says David Kim, a propulsion engineer. "I took a month off to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, and when I returned, my team had my back."
- Flexible Schedules for Global Teams
With employees across multiple continents, Planet operates on asynchronous communication principles. Meetings are recorded, documentation is thorough, and core collaboration hours are limited to ensure no one is stuck in late-night calls.
- "No-Meeting Wednesdays"
To protect deep work time, Planet blocks off Wednesdays from internal meetings, allowing engineers and scientists to focus on complex problem-solving without interruptions.

Remote & Hybrid Work Done Right

- Home Office Stipends – Employees receive budgets to set up ergonomic workspaces, whether at home or in Planet’s offices.
- Global "Hubs" for Collaboration – While remote work is fully supported, Planet maintains innovation hubs in San Francisco, Berlin, and D.C., designed for spontaneous collaboration with open lab spaces, satellite mockups, and data visualization walls.
- Virtual Coffee Chats & "Lunch & Learns"
To maintain connection, Planet hosts randomized virtual coffee pairings and weekly talks where employees share expertise—from orbital mechanics deep dives to climate science discussions.

Time Off That Matters

- Parental Leave – 16 weeks fully paid for all parents, with phased return options.
- Mental Health Days – Employees can take up to five additional paid days off per year for mental well-being, no questions asked.
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO) – 40 hours annually to support causes employees care about, from environmental conservation to STEM education.

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Values & Innovation: Moving Fast Without Breaking Things (Or Satellites)

Planet’s culture is built on five core values that guide every decision, from satellite design to customer interactions:

1. Think Like an Owner – Employees are encouraged to take initiative, whether it’s optimizing a propulsion system or proposing a new data product.
2. Bias Toward Action – In the fast-moving space industry, speed matters. Planet’s "launch fast, iterate faster" mentality means prototypes are tested in weeks, not years.
3. Data-Driven Decisions – From engineering to business strategy, Planet relies on evidence over intuition, leveraging its own satellite data to inform choices.
4. Global Impact, Local Action – While the mission is planetary-scale, employees are empowered to drive change in their communities.
5. Radical Transparency – Leadership shares company metrics, challenges, and successes in weekly all-hands meetings.

Innovation Culture: Where Failure is a Lesson, Not a Setback

- "The Museum of Failures" – A (virtual) hall of fame for projects that didn’t work—but taught valuable lessons. One exhibit: an early satellite deployment mechanism that failed in thermal testing, leading to a complete redesign that now flies on every Planet satellite.
- 20% Time for Passion Projects
Engineers and scientists can dedicate one day a week to experimental projects. This led to breakthroughs like Planet’s AI-powered change detection algorithms, now a core product.
- Cross-Disciplinary "Tiger Teams"
When a complex problem arises—like optimizing satellite tasking for wildfire detection—Planet assembles short-term, high-impact teams with members from engineering, data science, and mission ops. "We solved a six-month problem in six weeks," says Priya Mehta, who led one such team.

Knowledge Sharing: Learning at the Speed of Orbit

- Internal "Planet University" – A library of courses on everything from orbital mechanics to machine learning for geospatial data, taught by employees.
- Peer Code Reviews & "Tech Talks"
Engineers regularly present their work, fostering a culture of continuous feedback and improvement.
- Open-Door Policy with Leadership
CEO Will Marshall holds monthly "Ask Me Anything" sessions, and executives are accessible on Slack for real-time discussions.

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Diversity & Inclusion: A Global Team for a Global Mission

Planet’s mission—using space to help life on Earth—requires diverse perspectives. The company is committed to building a workforce that reflects the planet it observes.

Diversity by the Numbers (2023)

- 40% of leadership roles held by women or non-binary individuals.
- 35% of technical roles filled by underrepresented minorities.
- Employees from 30+ countries, speaking over 20 languages.

Inclusion in Action

- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Women in Aerospace @ Planet – Hosts mentorship circles and advocacy programs.
- Planet Pride – Leads LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts and partners with outreach programs like oSTEM.
- Planet Earth – Focuses on environmental justice and sustainability initiatives.
- Bias Mitigation in Hiring
Planet uses structured interviews and blinded resume reviews to reduce unconscious bias. "We don’t just hire for skills—we hire for potential and diverse thought," says Lisa Nguyen, Head of People.
- Global Cultural Exchange
Planet’s "Culture Share" program pairs employees from different countries to exchange traditions, cuisines, and workplace norms. "I learned so much about German engineering precision from my Berlin colleague—it changed how I approach problem-solving," shares Carlos Rivera, a mission planner in D.C.

Recent DEI Achievements

- 2023 "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality" – Human Rights Campaign.
- 50% increase in Black and Latinx hires in technical roles over the past two years.
- Partnership with Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) – Planet sponsors internships and scholarships for students in aerospace and data science.

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Community & Impact: Beyond the Stars, Into the World

Planet doesn’t just observe Earth—it actively works to protect it. The company’s culture extends beyond its walls through philanthropy, sustainability, and industry leadership.

Industry & Education Outreach

- Planet for Education – Provides free satellite data access to universities and K-12 schools for climate research and STEM projects.
- Conference Leadership – Planet employees regularly speak at SATCON, SmallSat, and COP (UN Climate Change Conference), sharing insights on space sustainability and Earth observation.
- Women in Aerospace Mentorship – Planet partners with The Brooke Owens Fellowship to mentor women and gender-minority students entering aerospace careers.

Philanthropy & Sustainability

- 1% for the Planet – Planet donates 1% of its time, equity, and profits to environmental causes.
- Carbon-Neutral Operations – All Planet facilities run on renewable energy, and the company offsets its launch emissions through carbon capture partnerships.
- Disaster Response Initiatives – During crises like hurricanes or wildfires, Planet prioritizes satellite tasking for relief organizations, providing critical data to first responders.

Recent Recognitions

- 2023 Fast Company "Most Innovative Companies" – For advancements in AI-driven Earth observation.
- 2022 Geospatial World Leadership Award – For democratizing access to satellite data.
- Certified B Corporation – Planet meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance.

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Join the Mission: Your Career in Space Starts Here

Planet Labs isn’t just a company—it’s a movement to use space for good. Whether you're an aerospace engineer, data scientist, mission operator, or business strategist, you’ll find a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.

🚀 Explore careers at Planet Labs and help shape the future of Earth observation:
Visit Planet’s Careers Page

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Planet Labs: Seeing the whole. Changing the world. 🌍✨

Career Opportunities at Planet Labs: Charting Your Path in Space Technology

Career Progression: Mapping Your Journey in Aerospace Innovation

At Planet Labs, we believe in transparent career growth with clear milestones. Our structured progression paths allow employees to advance based on technical mastery, leadership potential, and mission impact.

Engineering Career Path (3-7 Year Timeline)

- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Satellite Systems Engineer → Mission Operations Specialist
- Promotion Criteria: Mastery of orbital mechanics fundamentals, successful satellite deployment support, and cross-functional collaboration
- Example: Our 2022 hire, Maria Chen, transitioned from Systems Engineer to Mission Operations Specialist in 18 months after leading the Dove satellite constellation health monitoring improvements

- Mid-Level (2-5 years): Mission Operations Specialist → Spacecraft Design Lead
- Promotion Criteria: Demonstrated leadership in mission planning, orbital operations optimization, and mentorship of junior engineers
- Example: James Park went from Mission Operations to Spacecraft Design Lead in 3 years after pioneering our new propulsion systems integration approach

- Senior-Level (5+ years): Spacecraft Design Lead → Director of Space Systems
- Promotion Criteria: Strategic vision for satellite technology roadmap, successful program management of $50M+ initiatives, and thought leadership in aerospace engineering
- Example: Dr. Anika Patel progressed from Design Lead to Director in 4 years after spearheading our next-gen earth observation satellite program

Technical Specialization Tracks

- Propulsion Systems: Engineer → Senior Engineer → Principal Engineer (4-6 years)
- Orbital Mechanics: Analyst → Mission Planner → Chief Orbital Strategist (5-7 years)
- Satellite Communications: Systems Engineer → Network Architect → Director of Space Infrastructure (6-8 years)

Learning & Development: Fueling Your Aerospace Expertise

Planet Labs invests $10,000 annually per employee in professional development, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of space technology.

Technical Training Programs

- Satellite Technology Certification: 12-month program covering spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and orbital mechanics
- Mission Operations Academy: 6-month intensive with hands-on training in mission planning and real-time orbital operations
- Advanced Propulsion Workshop: Quarterly 3-day deep dives into emerging propulsion technologies

Conference & Professional Development

- Annual attendance at:
- International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
- Small Satellite Conference
- AIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum
- $5,000 annual budget for additional conferences or courses

Cross-Functional Opportunities

- Rotation Program: 6-month assignments in different departments (e.g., engineers spending time in mission operations)
- Special Projects: 20% time allocation for innovative initiatives like our recent satellite constellation optimization algorithm

Mentorship & Coaching

- Formal Mentorship Program: Pairing with senior leaders in aerospace careers
- Reverse Mentoring: Junior engineers mentor executives on emerging technologies
- Career Coaching: Quarterly sessions with dedicated career advisors

Employee Success Stories: Real Journeys in Space Innovation

Sarah Johnson: From Intern to Mission Operations Lead

- Timeline: 2018 Intern → 2020 Mission Operations Specialist → 2023 Mission Operations Lead
- Achievements:
- Led the team that reduced satellite deployment time by 30%
- Developed new orbital mechanics algorithms for constellation management
- Received Planet's "Innovator of the Year" award in 2022
- International Assignment: 6-month rotation at our Berlin office to support European space infrastructure projects

Dr. Michael Chen: Propulsion Systems Pioneer

- Timeline: 2017 Propulsion Engineer → 2021 Senior Propulsion Engineer → 2024 Principal Engineer
- Technical Achievements:
- Patented new propulsion system for small satellites (2022)
- Led the team that increased satellite maneuverability by 40%
- Published 5 peer-reviewed papers on advanced propulsion technologies
- Special Project: Headed our collaboration with NASA on next-gen propulsion systems

Elena Rodriguez: Earth Observation Innovator

- Timeline: 2019 Data Scientist → 2022 Earth Observation Specialist → 2024 Director of Remote Sensing
- Project Leadership:
- Developed AI algorithms that improved earth observation data processing by 50%
- Led the team that launched our first hyperspectral imaging satellite
- Received the "Space Technology Leadership" award from the AIAA in 2023

Future Growth Areas: The Next Frontier of Space Careers

Emerging Technologies

- AI in Orbital Mechanics: Developing machine learning models for autonomous satellite operations
- Next-Gen Propulsion: Researching electric and nuclear propulsion systems
- Quantum Communications: Exploring quantum encryption for secure satellite communications

Expansion Plans

- New Satellite Constellations: Launching 200 additional satellites by 2026
- International Growth: Expanding operations in Europe and Asia
- Space Infrastructure: Building ground stations in strategic global locations

Leadership Development

- Emerging Leaders Program: 18-month track for high-potential employees
- Executive Space Leadership: Partnership with INSEAD for space industry MBA program
- Technical Fellowship: 2-year program for deep technical specialization

Innovation Opportunities

- R&D Lab: Dedicated facility for experimental spacecraft design
- University Partnerships: Collaborations with MIT, Stanford, and Caltech
- Hackathons: Quarterly events focusing on space systems innovation

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Launch Your Aerospace Career at Planet Labs

Ready to join the team that's redefining earth observation and space technology? Explore our current openings and take the first step in your space industry journey. Whether you're passionate about satellite technology, orbital mechanics, or spacecraft design, Planet Labs offers the career paths and development opportunities to help you reach new heights in aerospace engineering.