Think Tank Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Planet Hybrid · California, US · San Francisco, CA, US · Arlington, VA, US · Arlington, TX, US · Virginia, US ... more 3 months ago

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.

The Media Programs Research Lead will join Planet’s Communications team to support the operations of the Media and Think Tank Program (MTTP). The MTTP works with reporters and subject matter experts at think tanks to use Planet’s images and products to report on disasters, environmental stories, geopolitical events, and other news of global interest. This person will collaborate internally with a broad range of Planet stakeholders, including Marketing, technical and NGO‑focused teams, as well as externally with journalists and experts to provide insights into, and on top of, Planet data.

The ideal candidate is well‑versed in geopolitics and has experience working with satellite data, is curious with an eye for compelling stories, and enjoys developing creative approaches to visualizing and explaining complex subjects.

This is a full‑time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco, CA or D.C. office in Arlington, VA 3 days per week.

• Proactively identify and develop stories relevant to current events that showcase the value of Planet’s data and analytic products


• Analyze satellite data as well as other earth observation data to document and explain events of general interest


• Collaborate with Communications and Data Visualization teams on ideas for proactive storytelling and image packages to send to media and research customers and partners


• Support rapid response efforts during crisis news events with image identification and analysis


• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, analysts, and subject matter experts

• 4+ years experience working in a newsroom, think tank, or as a data analyst


• Experience analyzing and interpreting satellite imagery


• Experience with GIS tools and/or Adobe Photoshop


• Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously


• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders


• Ability to work in a dynamic environment across multiple time zones


• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; fluent in written and spoken English

• Experience working with open source investigative tools, datasets and methods


• Ability and comfort communicating results to external audiences


• Relationships within think tank and press communities

September 11, 2026 by 11:59pm PM

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

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 Salary Range $90,200 — $112,700 USD

US National Salary Range $79,300 — $99,100 USD

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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.

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.

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.

Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We currently use Metaview 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.

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.

Planet started as a small team of physicists and engineers, and now operates the world's largest constellation of Earth‑imaging satellites. We offer our customers a diverse selection of 3-meter, 5-meter, and 80-centimeter data products, all under one roof. From precision agriculture and emergency response to supply chain and infrastructure monitoring, we ...