Senior Data Engineer

Overview 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. Planet is a global company with employees working remotely worldwide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. About the Role As a Senior Data Engineer at Planet, you will own, architect, and build production, enterprise‑scale data ecosystems using modern cloud technologies to power mission‑critical, customer‑facing products. You will act as a strategic partner to cross‑functional stakeholders, translating complex requirements into robust, scalable solutions. You will build and design data solutions end to end: from high‑level architecture and implementation to CI/CD, orchestration, automated QA, and seamless integration into production systems. This role is ideal for an expert data engineer looking to lead the evolution of complex systems and deliver transformative technology to the defense sector. It requires a dynamic, global environment and a deep passion for Planet's mission and national security solutions. This is a full‑time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our Washington DC or Denver CO office 3 days per week. Impact You'll Own Architect and oversee robust, high‑availability data pipelines while establishing standards for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing existing ecosystems. Collaborate with global product, commercial, and engineering leads to design and execute a long‑term data strategy for products in your scope. Drive high‑level mentorship, technical design reviews, and architectural integrity across the Data Team while setting standards for code quality. What You Bring 10+ years of relevant experience in data engineering with a track record of technical leadership. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Expertise in designing and implementing end‑to‑end data architectures for global‑scale, customer‑facing solutions, with a focus on data integrity and efficiency. Expert‑level proficiency in Python and SQL for complex ETL/ELT pipeline construction, including event‑driven data architectures. Proactive, self‑starter mindset with the ability to lead problem‑solving initiatives in a dynamic, high‑stakes environment. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate between technical execution and high‑level business requirements. Deep experience in maintaining enterprise‑grade, peer‑reviewed codebases and advanced CI/CD workflows using GitLab CI, Docker, and Kubernetes. Significant experience with cloud‑native architectures (GCP preferred). Experience tuning storage formats such as Parquet to ensure sub‑second query performance for consumers. What Makes You Stand Out Experience using modern data tooling (e.g., dbt) for pipeline inputs to customer‑facing production systems. Experience leveraging Infrastructure as Code tooling (e.g., Terraform) to manage cloud architecture. Experience architecting solutions for geospatial datasets. Knowledge of earth observation and/or satellite operation concepts. 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. 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 Equity Commuter Benefits (if local to an office) Volunteering Paid Time Off Compensation The US base salary range for this full‑time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short‑term and long‑term incentives (bonus and equity). 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. New York City + California: $172,200 — $215,200 USD San Francisco: $182,900 — $228,600 USD US National: $160,600 — $200,800 USD Application Deadline October 1, 2026 by 11:59 p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time) San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Statement 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. Accommodations Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you. #J-18808-Ljbffr