Intern, Spacecraft Systems Engineer

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

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. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

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.

Planet’s Summer 2026 internships are full-time, paid 12‑week positions located in our San Francisco HQ Office.

• June 1 – August 21
• June 22 – September 11

We are currently seeking a Spacecraft Systems Engineering Intern to drive the design, build, and operation of our next generation of earth imaging satellites. As a spacecraft systems engineering intern you will work with an agile team through requirements formulation, design, verification and validation (V&V), as well as integration, assembly and testing (AI&T) phases for new satellite systems. You will also interface with our Product team to ensure that our satellites meet our customer’s needs, with our manufacturing leads to transition our satellites to mass production, and our Mission Operations leads to ensure the proper on‑orbit operation of our future fleets.

This is a full‑time, in‑office position based in our San Francisco office 5 days per week.

• Provide system level analyses to help define future spacecraft systems.
• Assist in definition of tasks and processes to reduce spacecraft risks.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on the verification and validation of spacecraft requirements.
• Participate in the assembly, integration and testing of R&D prototype satellite systems, including troubleshooting and implementation of lessons learned.

• Pursuing a BS in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering, or similar.
• Understanding of one or multiple satellite subsystems, including Mechanical, Thermal, ADSCS/GNC, Propulsion, or Electrical.
• Experience collaborating with technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excited by working in an agile, fast‑paced environment.

• Working towards a Master’s in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering, or similar.
• Familiarity with requirement formulation, validation, and verification best practices.
• Experience with hardware testing, including both functional and environmental testing.
• Proficiency in Python, Julia, and/or C++.
• Coursework or project history where you designed, built and tested an idea that you can discuss in depth.
• Understanding of the product development lifecycle process, including analysis and design, development tools and technologies, release and version control, and testing methodologies.

April 5, 2026 at 11:59p PT

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.

• Commuter Benefits
• Paid time off for holidays and company‑wide days off
• Internet reimbursement
• Access to Linked In Learning

The US hourly rate range for this position at the…