Intern, RF and Optical Communications

Planet Labs  · San Francisco, CA  · Mar 6, 2026

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. Internships at Planet: Planet’s Summer 2026 internships are full-time, paid 12-week positions located in our San Francisco HQ Office. Program Dates: • June 1 - August 21 • June 22 - September 11 About the Role: 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...

Requirements:
Graduate or Ph. D. candidate pursuing a dissertation in a related RF, Optical Communications field.
Passion for RF/MW, communications, electromagnetics, and signal processing
What Makes You Stand Out:
Experience with Optical comms systems
Class projects, prior internships or contribution to open source projects in the areas of digital signal processing and digital communications
Understanding of finite word length effects in the implementation of DSP algorithms.
Knowledge of mixed signal (A/D, D/A), digital, FPGA and uProcessor design, bringup, interfacing and prototyping.
Experience in Linux, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, and data analysis tools
Experience with at least one RF/MW design and simulation suites (ADS, HFSS, Microwave Office)
Experience utilizing AI tools and agentic workflows for rapid development.
Application Deadline:
April 5, 2026 at 11:59p PT
Apply Now
Company
Planet Labs
Location
San Francisco, CA
More jobs in San Francisco
Job Type
Full-time
Category
RF / Microwave
Posted
Mar 6, 2026
Source
Original posting ↗