Earth Observation Engineer
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
This post is classified A2–A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Earth Observation Engineer in the Copernicus Ground Segment Systems Section (EOP-GCY) or Ecosystem Development Section (EOP-GCE) within the Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division (EOP-GC), Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department (EOP-G), Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
The Copernicus Ground Segment and data management operations are implemented based on a service-based architecture that relies on the use of cloud technology to optimise the scalability and performance of the Copernicus Space Component operations. Future Copernicus mission operations will be integrated in the Copernicus operations framework in accordance with the Copernicus Ground Segment architecture and interfaces and operated in accordance with the Copernicus operations baseline.
Under the ESA Earth Observation Framework, ESA, together with its partners and the European Earth observation (EO) and IT industries, is developing an ecosystem of Copernicus or DestinE data management and modelling services to foster user exploitation activities as well as the growth of a sustainable industrial network of services. ESA will contribute to the development of the ecosystem by procuring and supporting new projects and providing the necessary strategic development objectives.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- interacting with the Copernicus Space Segment teams from the early phases of the Copernicus Expansion and Next Generation Space Segment activities, in particular for matters related to payload data processing;
- defining the operational products and Level 0/Level 1 processors for future Copernicus Sentinel missions and managing the associated procurement activities for their cloud- or HPC-based implementation;
- supporting the preparation of operations for the future Copernicus missions and the management of related activities;
- managing the maintenance and evolution of the operational data processors for the first-generation Sentinel mission;
- providing expertise on Copernicus EO data and advanced analytics and leading initiatives to define, procure and manage implementation activities aimed at optimising the handling of the data in cloud-based and HPC environments and, in particular, their usage for simulation, modelling and AI-related applications in the context of DestinE;
- supporting the definition of the necessary evolutions of the CSC ground system architecture and technical documentation baseline to integrate and operate the future Copernicus missions;
- supporting the definition and maintenance of mission-specific documentation as part of the overall ESA Copernicus EO Framework technical baseline;
- supporting the development of an ecosystem of Copernicus or DestinE data management and modelling services to foster user exploitation activities.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s degree in a relevant engineering subject is required for this post.
Additional requirements
You should also:
- demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team and take responsible decisions as part of that team;
- have a high level of self-motivation and autonomy;
- have a strong ability to take an overall system view and propose solutions with a broader, strategic perspective;
- demonstrate flexibility in dealing with day-to-day operational challenges.
The following are assets:
- Experience in machine learning and AI-related techniques and applications;
- Experience of interfacing with external parties, industry and user communities;
- Project management experience;
- Experience in and an end-to-end view of Earth observation missions.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email [email protected].
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
