Intern, RF and Optical Communications

Graduate or Ph. D. candidate pursuing a dissertation in a related RF, Optical Communications field.

Passion for RF/MW, communications, electromagnetics, and signal processing

Ability to adapt and learn a multitude of technical skills related to the position and other building blocks for space and ground station applications.

Excellent documentation, presentation and communication skills.

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.

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

Commuter Benefits

Paid time off for holidays and company-wide days off

Internet reimbursement

Access to LinkedIn Learning

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 board level hardware, antennas, and ground station equipment that produce record data rates. Our system consists of transceivers in several bands, as well as a worldwide network of ground stations.

We are seeking an RF/Optical Communications summer intern to develop our next-generation onboard, ground radios, modems and antenna systems that push the frontiers of satellite communications. As a RF/Optical Comms Intern you will assist the team in making evolutionary and revolutionary improvements in their performance, reliability and cost, including the design of next-generation S-band through Ka-band radios, Intersatellite Optical communications and a variety of antennas as well as contribute to various ongoing projects. You will participate in design and implementation of communication systems, PCB layout projects and interface with cross functional teams - electrical, FPGA, DSP, software and mechanical engineers to address challenging design issues.

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