Intern, Imaging Systems at Planet in San Francisco, CA

Summary: Planet is a company that designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. They are seeking an Imaging Systems Intern to assist in the development and validation of Earth-imaging satellites, collaborating with various teams to ensure proper operation of imaging payloads. Responsibilities: - 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 (V&V) 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 Required Qualifications: - 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 Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with sensors, telescope optics, or lab-based optical benches - Prior exposure to satellite AI&T (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 Required Skills: Optical Engineering, Computer Vision, Imaging Sensors Important Skills: Python, C++, FPGA, Remote Sensing Nice-to-Have Skills: Systems Thinking Benefits: Commuter Benefits, Paid time off for holidays and company-wide days off, Internet reimbursement, Access to LinkedIn Learning