Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?
We are currently looking for a Mission Engineer to join the team involved in the provision of engineering/scientific and management support services to ESA in the context of the Copernicus Space Component Programme 4 (CSC4). In particular, you will provide specialised expert support for products and algorithm definition and Cal/Val in relation the missions CHIME (Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging) and LSTM (Land Surface Temperature Monitoring) during Phases A/B1, B2/C/D/E1.
This position is based at ESA’s premises in Frascati, Italy.
About the client and location
The ESA Centre for Earth Observation (ESRIN) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Frascati, Italy. From this location ESA conducts most of their earth observation research, including data analysis and distribution for other non-ESA satellites.
This position is open to protected categories under Italian Law 68/99 (“Rules for the right to work of disabled people”).
Questa posizione e’ aperta alle categorie protette L. 68/99.
Tasks and activities
The scope of work will include:
- Preparation of the contractual documentation including the definition of Level -2 products, R&D studies, Cal/Val studies, Cal/Val tools definition, Fiducial Reference Measurements developments;
- Support to the definition and documentation of the Cal/Val plan.
- Support to the development of ground segment data processing, calibration, validation and quality control facilities.
- Contribution to definition of processing algorithms.
- Contribution to definition of calibration algorithms.
- Contribution to Test Data Set specification.
- Preparation of the end-to-end data quality process of mission products during its exploitation phase, including the products and processing scenario definition, the algorithm definition and evolution for Level 1 and Level 2 products, the calibration and the geophysical validation concept definition and evolution during the development and exploitation phases;
- Continuous assessment of the evolving user requirements regarding ESA EO optical missions in term of data quality, calibration and validation, exploring potential synergies with missions under EOP-G responsibility.
- Harmonisation and standardisation of the ESA strategy and innovation in term of algorithm calibration and validation of ESA EO products with the European and international scientific partners.
- Support to the mission managers for the communication activities, contributing to the preparation of presentations and reports. Publication of papers in peer-reviewed journals is highly encouraged;
- Participation to reviews, review of documentation including generation of review item discrepancies.
- Participation to expert meetings (ex: Mission Advisory Group) and user meetings.
- Participation to ESA coordination meeting (ESTEC, industry).
- Participation to Ground Segment Reviews organised either by ESA or by Industry.
- Support to the Ground Segment Overall Validation.
- Support to the setup and management of the Cal/Val team.
- Ad-hoc development of tools for the accomplishment of the algorithm development, testing and validation, etc.
- Generation of technical notes whenever needed.
Skills and experience
The following skills and experience are mandatory:
- University PhD or Master’s degree in physics, engineering/scientific or Earth sciences with particular emphasis on EO satellite, data processing algorithms, calibration and validation.
- Proven experience with EO satellite within institutes or industry, with a strong scientific background and experience in project management.
- Specific experience in the technical domains covered by the EO Expansion Mission missions, specifically in relation to Optical Hyperspectral and Thermal Infrared instruments.
- Knowledge of scientific discipline, including strategic vision of the Earth Observation area State-of-the-art knowledge in area of responsibility at required level.
- Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
- Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:
- Knowledge of the ESA missions (and instruments) and processes related to their ground segment development.
- Programming skills.
Why should you apply?
- You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
- We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
- To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
- Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, all genders, LGBTQ+ individuals and ex-service personnel.
Apply now