Technical Program Manager

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 world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role: 

As a Technical Program Manager (TPM) at Planet, you will support the coordination of cross-functional initiatives and help drive execution across multiple teams. You will work with more senior TPMs and leadership to develop and maintain program plans, assist with project scheduling, and help communicate progress and risks to stakeholders. You will gain exposure to the full project lifecycle and learn to explain technical analyses and recommendations to both internal teams and customers. This is an excellent opportunity to build your program management skills in a dynamic space technology environment.

This TPM hire will be a member of the Space Business Group which is responsible for incubating and executing commercial space missions. You will support a Senior TPM in developing and deploying Pelican ground station capabilities that provide Constellation Services customers with innovative solutions. You will work alongside multi-disciplinary teams including Engineering (Space Systems, Software Engineering) and Product Management to help ensure programs stay on track. As a developing member of the Program Management Team, you will gain hands-on experience in supporting customer requirements and Constellation Services strategy.

This role offers the opportunity to learn how to apply strategic thinking to space missions and understand how technology development decisions impact Planet's commercial objectives. You will support recommendations to leadership that help prioritize technology initiatives and maximize return on investment.

This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our Berlin office 3 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Assist in managing Constellation Services development initiatives from formulation through operations.
• Support the quality and viability of the Pelican and Tanager mission lines by helping deliver new system capabilities.
• Learn and develop knowledge of ground segment architecture and work to support cross-functional efforts.
• Partner with program stakeholders (Product Manager, Engineering teams, and others) to help scope and execute development projects.
• Communicate progress, priorities, and risks to stakeholders across the organization; prepare documentation and status updates.
• Support technical discussions and facilitate information sharing between teams.

What You Bring:

• 6+ years of experience in Technical Program Management, Product Management, or a related field (or equivalent project coordination experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Expertise assisting with cross-functional projects and managing timelines with solid attention to detail.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to clearly communicate findings.
• Advanced knowledge of project management practices and tools.
• Experience with engineering projects or technical environments.
• Interest in or exposure to aerospace, ground stations, software, or space systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and stakeholders across the organization.
• Eligible for US Export Control licenses such as ITAR and EAR.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Exposure to the project lifecycle: concept through deployment.
• Interest in learning about new technology development and how capabilities are extended.
• Self-motivated approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and learning.
• Familiarity with cloud computing concepts, platform development, APIs, or analytics.
• Enthusiasm for the commercial space industry and mission-driven work.

Application Deadline:

September 3, 2026 by 11:59p / 23:59 CET (Central European Time)

Export Control Requirements:

Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This position requires access to U.S. and German/EU 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 German, EU, or U.S. authorities.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off 
• Employee Wellness Program 
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity 
• Volunteering Paid Time Off

Compensation:

The expected starting gross salary range for this role is listed below. Individual placement within this range is determined objectively based on gender-neutral criteria such as your skills, qualifications, and professional experience. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, commission, and/or equity.

Germany Salary Range

€77.000—€96.300 EUR

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.

Why we care so much about Belonging. 

We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging-dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work.  If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply!  At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description.  We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts.  We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you’re excited to come along for the ride. 

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. Know Your Rights.

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 [email protected] or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

Privacy Policy: By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Planet Data Privacy Notice for California Staff Members and Applicants, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a "Planet AI Notetaker" for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools-e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.-is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact [email protected] with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.