Communications Engineer - Part Time
About The Position
Planet is working on the next generation small satellite bus that will host a high resolution optical imaging payload (Pelican) and a hyperspectral payload (Carbon Mapper). Planet has continuously iterated and developed small spacecraft communication systems including space and ground communications modems and software defined radios (SDRs). Our system consists of transceivers in several bands, optical laser communications systems and a worldwide network of ground stations. We are seeking a recent graduate or currently enrolled engineering student for a part time Communications Engineer position to assist in the development of our next-generation onboard links, ground radios and antenna systems that push the frontiers of satellite communications. You will contribute to communications systems development, integration, test and characterization. You will work closely with the RF/Comms team members and interact with cross functional teams - electrical, software and guidance, navigation and control (GNC) engineers to address challenging design issues. The ideal candidate will be excited by working in an agile, fast-paced environment, even in times of uncertainty and ambiguity. This is a part-time, remote position based in the United States. If located near an office, you are expected to work from that office a minimum of 3 days per week.
Requirements
- Graduate or Senior year level in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science
- Solid fundamentals in signal processing and floating point to fixed point design flow.
- Ability to adapt and learn a multitude of skills in order to contribute to the design of a complex system including but not limited to modem physical layer (PHY), active RF circuits, transceivers, PLL synthesizers, mixers, switches, RF amplifiers, oscillators, detectors, filters, and other building blocks for space and ground station applications
- Excellent documentation, presentation and communication skills
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Computer Science, studying for a graduate degree in STEM
- Experience with Matlab and Simulink for communications systems design
- Experience with software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and respective signal processing libraries (ex.: GNURadio).
- Experience in C, C++, Linux, Python, and data analysis tools
Responsibilities
- Assist in the development of GnuRadio based ground modem solution
- Assist in the design and verification of space segment software defined radios and modems
- FPGA based hardware transceivers: RF/Analog/Digital circuit design, simulation, instrumentation, test and characterization
- Support of RF/MW/Optical Comms system bringup, integration and test
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
