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.
About the Role:
This critical leadership role is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and administration of Planet's global Total Rewards strategy, encompassing all compensation and benefits programs. As the head of the function, you will ensure our rewards philosophy is competitive, equitable, compliant, and aligned with the company's business strategy, mission, and values, supporting talent attraction and retention globally across our SaaS and Hardware divisions. This role reports to the Chief People Officer and serves as a key partner to the Executive team, Finance, Legal and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, ensuring responsible and compliant management of executive and equity compensation in a publicly traded environment.
This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco or Arlington, Virginia office 3 days per week.
Impact You'll Own:
- Lead the development and execution of the global Total Rewards strategy, policies, and programs, including base pay, variable compensation, sales commission plans, long-term incentive/equity programs, and global benefits (health, welfare, and retirement).
- Oversee the preparation of all materials and presentations for the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, including executive compensation proposals, pay-for-performance analysis, and all required public disclosures (e.g., Proxy statement).
- Ensure all compensation and benefits programs comply with global regulatory requirements (e.g., FLSA, GDPR, pay equity laws) and are administered efficiently and accurately.
- Partner with Finance and Legal teams on budgeting, financial planning, and the legal aspects of plan design and implementation, especially concerning a publicly traded company's financial and governance requirements.
- Manage and mentor the Total Rewards team, establishing high performance standards and developing expertise in compensation and benefits administration.
- Drive market competitiveness by conducting comprehensive benchmarking and salary surveys to attract and retain top talent across various global markets and technical disciplines, including engineering for SaaS and Hardware.
What You Bring:
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Total Rewards leadership roles.
- 8+ years managing global compensation and benefits programs.
- Experience designing and managing executive and equity compensation programs for a publicly traded company.
- Deep expertise in global benefits, including best practices for health, welfare, and retirement programs across major regions (e.g., North America, EMEA, APAC).
- Ability to partner effectively with senior executives, Compensation Committees, and external consultants (e.g., legal counsel, compensation advisors).
- Knowledge of compensation principles, including job evaluation, market pricing, and incentive plan design in the technology sector (SaaS and/or Hardware preferred).
- Ability to conduct comprehensive analysis, model financial impact, and communicate complex Total Rewards information to diverse audiences.
What Makes You Stand Out:
- Experience leading global Total Rewards in both a software and hardware company
- Proven results enhancing employee experience and driving business outcomes through the design, implementation, communication, education and optimization of global Total Rewards investments and program enhancements.
- Certification as a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or similar relevant professional designation.
Application Deadline:
May 19, 2026 at 11:59p PT
Benefits While Working at Planet:
These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
- 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Home Office Reimbursement
- Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
- Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
- Equity
- Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)
- Volunteering Paid Time Off
Compensation:
The US base salary range for this full-time position at the commencement of employment is listed below. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary short-term and long-term incentives (bonus and equity). 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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.
Planet San Francisco, California, USA Office
Located in sunny SOMA, just a few blocks from the San Francisco Giants ballpark. Steps from world-class restaurants and public transportation.
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