Lead Scientist, Soil Moisture at Planet | Powderkeg

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 headquartered in San Francisco, California, Earth.

About the Role:

Satellite derived products like soil moisture, land surface temperature, and biomass are important building blocks to support food security and water safety. They bring the levels of transparency and drive a culture of data- driven decision making and accountability. Within Planet, we are focused on researching, developing, and applying core technologies to build these products using a range of satellite observations. For example, soil moisture and biomass are now used in the agricultural sector to both support sustainability and yield optimization. The design and management of satellite derived products is directly in line with the mission of Planet to make the daily satellite observations of Earth accessible and actionable. We are looking for a Science Lead in the soil moisture team to further develop and manage one of our building blocks. Retrieving field scale soil moisture from satellite observations is a challenging task which relies on extracting the right satellite data values and converting it to actionable information through a set of scientifically based algorithms. This person would support our technical team in all stages of the product development cycle: from product design to operational service.

Impact You’ll Own:

  • Responsible for the technical product roadmap
  • Actively participate in product design and algorithm development
  • Inspect and evaluate the quality of the product
  • Interdisciplinary knowledge exchange between other science leads and product managers
  • Bridge between technical feasibility and customer requirements

What You Bring:

  • In depth knowledge of earth observation technology and modeling
  • High level of Python skills and Linux command line
  • Management skills to lead a team of technical people
  • Familiarity with GIS desktop software (QGIS or ArcGIS) and GeoJSON, COG, and STAC standards
  • Academic degree in Earth Observation or Physics

What Makes You Stand Out:

  • Hands-on experience with earth observation data from multiple sources including VNIR, TIR, SAR and/or passive microwaves.
  • Proven scientific track record in algorithm/product development
  • Advanced skills in spatial statistical analysis
  • Experience with earth observation data users outside the academic arena.
  • Proven understanding of hydrological processes in the unsaturated zone.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

  • Additional company winter holidays and regular global days off
  • Remote friendly work environment
  • Giving back to the community - one day per quarter for charitable work
  • Learning and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Home office budget
  • Employee Resource Groups providing safe and empowering spaces for connection and mentorship
  • Contribution to our growth by offering equity options for employees
  • Company Holidays

_Haarlem _

  • Enjoy our monumental office in the historical center of Haarlem a city well located near the beach, and Amsterdam
  • Employees’ well-being is our top priority: joint employee activities, snacks, fruits, and drinks
  • Additional contributions to Company Pension schemes
  • Additional Company Holidays

**Some Press About Us: **

Our CEO, Will Marshall featured on TED and featured in a [Planet Blog](https://www.planet.com/pulse/2019-dispatch- planets-year-in-review/)

“Planet: Bringing Space Back Down to Earth”

[Tiny, privately owned satellites are changing how we view the Earth](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/tiny-privately-owned-satellites-are- changing-how-we-view-earth-n1042386) features in NBC News

[“Planet And Rocket Lab Create Mission Patch To Honor Women In Aerospace”](https://www.planet.com/pulse/planet-rocket-lab-mission-patch- women-in-aerospace/) —Planet Blog

**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 with diversity, equity and inclusion. 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](https://www.planet.com/pulse/making- space-for-everyone-how-planet-is-building-a-global-workforce/) 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. _

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 interview process, please call Planet's front office at 669-214-9404 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 Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

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Job Summary
  • Job Title
    Lead Scientist, Soil Moisture
  • Company
    Planet
  • Location
    San Francisco, CA
  • Employment Type
    Full time
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