Intern, AI/ML Engineer
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:
Join Planet's Software Engineering Team as an AI/ML Software Engineer Intern focused on geospatial analytics and computer vision! We develop advanced machine-learning methods that transform large-scale imagery and sensor data into actionable intelligence about global activity spanning diverse applications.
As an intern, under the mentorship of experienced engineers and researchers, you will help design, implement, and evaluate novel AI/ML algorithms for image understanding and translate them into scalable software capabilities. You will work across the full lifecycle of Planet’s data processing, spanning R&D prototyping through productization, contributing to next-generation software tools and analytics that operate across massive geospatial datasets.
This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week.
Impact You'll Own:
- Develop novel AI/ML tools for image processing and geospatial analysis
- Collaborate with researchers and engineers to help translate prototype algorithms into production-ready software
- Design data processing workflows and storage approaches for managing large geospatial and embedding datasets
- Build tools to visualize, analyze, and communicate complex analytics and patterns
What You Bring:
- Passion for exploring state-of-the-art AI/ML applying ideas to real-world problems
- Programming skills in Python (or similar scientific/ML stack)
- Experience with numerical computing, data processing, and ML frameworks
- Currently pursuing a BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or related field.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Ability to design and implement algorithms to solve real-world data problems
- Experience building data visualizations or analytics interfaces for geospatial analytics or remote sensing
- Curiosity and initiative to dive into unfamiliar technical domains and rapidly build understanding
- Willingness to collaborate openly, share ideas, and learn from teammates across disciplines
Application Deadline:
April 13, 2026 at 11:59p PT
EAR/ITAR Requirements:
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.
Benefits While Working at Planet:
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
Compensation:
The US hourly rate range for this position at the commencement of employment is $35 - $60. The final salary range is determined by job related experience, skills and location. The range displays our typical hiring range for new hire salaries in US locations only. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
San Francisco Salary Range
$40—$60 USD
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 accommodations@planet.com 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 are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies 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 accommodations@planet.com 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.