Engineering Program Manager - Special Projects

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. About the Role The Engineering Program Manager (EPM) for Special Projects will be a fearless organizer and an excellent cross‑functional leader. Working directly with the security, engineering, and cross‑functional space program teams, you will drive project management efforts specifically focused on space security initiatives. In this tactical, “in‑the‑weeds” role, you will help establish programmatic strategy, coordinate schedules, and ruthlessly eliminate roadblocks to ensure our constellations remain secure, robust, and compliant. This role demands a solid baseline of technical strength. Some domain experience in cybersecurity or space security is required, along with a healthy technical aptitude necessary to credibly navigate engineering design discussions, facilitate high‑stakes technical tradeoffs, and represent the security team as a critical programmatic stakeholder across multiple concurrent satellite missions. This is a full‑time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week. Impact You’ll Own Drive end‑to‑end project management workflows specifically for Satellite Security, translating security milestones into actionable engineering sprints. Partner shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the SatSec Manager to architect, baseline, and meticulously maintain the overall SatSec programmatic schedule and critical project milestones. Attend multidisciplinary engineering and program meetings to actively track space security requirements, managing dependencies and representing the security team as a core stakeholder during project planning and architectural tradeoffs. Manage tactical logistics for the team as needed, including processing purchase orders (POs), tracking equipment ordering, and managing vendor deliverables. Actively manage program risks, identify structural dependencies, and support development on new satellite programs and products. What You Bring 6+ years of relevant experience in engineering program management or technical project management within a dynamic hardware, software, or aerospace environment. Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. A solid technical baseline with a “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” mentality, enabling you to engage deeply with complex systems and translate technical engineering constraints into high‑level programmatic impacts. Exceptional written and verbal communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to stay highly organized, manage schedule health, and drive consensus across diverse, high‑stakes environments. What Makes You Stand Out Experience managing spacecraft hardware and software build and release cycles. Deep technical fluency in at least one spacecraft specialization (e.g., operations, avionics, software) allowing you to engage credibly with engineers on complex trade‑offs. Familiarity with space security, hardware security, or aerospace cryptography architectures. A track record of successfully delivering complex hardware products through the entire development lifecycle against all odds. Benefits While Working at Planet 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 San Francisco Salary Range: $162,600 – $203,200 USD. Application Deadline September 29, 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time). EEO Statement Planet is an equal opportunity employer, 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr