Intern, Guidance and Control (GNC)

As a Guidance and Control Intern at Planet, your primary responsibilities involve developing and implementing attitude determination and control algorithms while also troubleshooting and resolving anomalies in spacecraft flight operations. You will engage in telemetry trending and contribute to creating and validating operational products related to spacecraft attitude control. Additionally, you will collaborate with a team to design ground-testing equipment and support innovative mission concepts, giving you a well-rounded experience in aerospace engineering.

To be eligible for the Guidance and Control Intern position at Planet, you should have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Controls Engineering. Moreover, having a solid grasp of estimation and control theory, along with familiarity with ADCS sensors and actuators such as gyroscopes and star cameras, is highly beneficial. Proficiency in programming languages like Matlab/Simulink, Python, or C/C++ will also strengthen your application, as will any experience in conducting experiments and testing.

A Guidance and Control Intern at Planet will work on various exciting projects, including designing and implementing algorithms for attitude determination and control of satellites. You will actively participate in the validation of operational products and support innovative concept designs for future missions. Additionally, you'll be involved in the development of state estimation systems and contribute to software and hardware testing, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world applications.

Candidates that stand out for the Guidance and Control Intern role at Planet typically possess hands-on experience with STK and Python, knowledge of mission operations, and familiarity with manufacturing and testing processes. Being well-versed in software engineering tools, including version control and regression testing, is advantageous. Also, experience with writing publications or delivering conference presentations will resonate positively during the selection process, highlighting your capability to communicate complex technical concepts.

The work culture for a Guidance and Control Intern at Planet is collaborative, inclusive, and innovative. We prioritize a people-centric approach, creating a community where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas. With a hybrid work model, you can work flexibly, while interacting with a diverse team of experts from various fields. Our commitment to belonging and growth ensures that you will have the resources and support needed to achieve your career aspirations in aerospace engineering.

When answering this question, focus on defining attitude determination and control systems, explaining their importance in satellite operations. Discuss different methods of attitude sensing and control, how they contribute to maintaining the spacecraft's desired orientation, and any relevant academic projects or experiences you have had involving these systems.

In your response, outline your methodical approach to testing and validating algorithms. Discuss the importance of unit testing, how you would gather telemetry data, and your process for troubleshooting any discrepancies observed during testing. If you have specific examples from past experiences, make sure to include those to illustrate your point.

When addressing this question, emphasize your familiarity with programming languages such as Matlab, Python, or C/C++. Detail any specific projects or coursework where you utilized these languages, highlighting problem-solving skills and your ability to write efficient, clear code for simulation or control tasks.

Provide a detailed account of a specific engineering project that presented challenges. Highlight the obstacles faced, the steps you took to address them, and the outcome of your efforts. This response shows your critical thinking, resilience, and ability to adapt to complex situations, key traits for a Guidance and Control Intern.

Your response should reflect research you've done about Planet's mission of using space technology to benefit life on Earth. Discuss specifics about the imaging satellites, the data provided to clients in various sectors, and how their innovations aim to address global challenges. Show enthusiasm for being part of such a compelling vision.

Here, describe your approach to collaboration and conflict resolution. Emphasize the importance of open communication, actively listening to differing perspectives, and seeking common ground. Provide an example from a previous experience if possible, showcasing how you effectively navigated conflicts within a team.

When responding, provide specific instances where you have designed, built, or utilized ground-testing equipment in your academic or prior work experiences. Discuss the challenges you faced and how you ensured the equipment met testing requirements, showcasing your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.

Communicate your passion for aerospace, sharing any personal motivations or experiences that led you to this field. Illustrate how your values align with Planet's mission, focusing on their commitment to using space technology for global improvement and how that inspires you to contribute to their efforts.

In your answer, highlight the significance of mentorship in personal and professional growth. Explain how you value learning from experienced professionals, being open to feedback, and taking advantage of resources available for growth. Discuss any mentorship experiences you’ve had and how they shaped your aspirations within the aerospace field.

When answering, reflect on your understanding of diversity and inclusion. Discuss how you would bring your unique background, ideas, and experiences to the team. Highlight your commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued, reinforcing Planet's mission of belonging in their community.