Earth Observation Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 18870

Date Posted: 5 September 2024

Application Deadline: 26 September 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Frascati, IT

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description
Earth Observation Engineer in the 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.

ESA – together with its partners and the European Earth Observation and Information Technology industries – is developing a digital ecosystem building on Copernicus and DestinE data management services and applications, the ESA Earth Observation Framework.
Within the Framework, the Copernicus mission and data management operations are implemented following 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 Framework in line with its architecture and interfaces, and operated according to the Copernicus operations baseline and mission specificities, in particular in relation to the instrument data processing algorithms and specific mission data characteristics.

For more information, you can visit the following links:
- https://sentinels.copernicus.eu/web/sentinel/home
- https://dataspace.copernicus.eu/
- https://eopf.copernicus.eu

Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• actively contributing to defining and managing the implementation of innovative operational solutions to optimise and harmonise the definition and structure of Copernicus Sentinel data with the aim of efficiently streamlining access to the large volume of Earth Observation (EO) data generated by the Copernicus missions;
• providing expertise on Copernicus EO data and advanced analytics;
• defining the operational products and Level 0/Level 1 data processors for future Copernicus missions and managing the associated procurement activities for their open-source development and cloud- or HPC-based implementation;
• supporting the preparation of operations for future Copernicus missions and the management of related activities;
• 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;
• leading initiatives to define, procure and manage implementation activities aimed at optimising the handling of the Sentinel data in cloud-based and HPC environments and, in particular, their use for simulation, modelling and AI-related applications in the context of DestinE;
• managing the maintenance and evolution of the operational data processors for the first-generation Sentinel mission;
• supporting the definition of the necessary evolutions of the CSC operational framework 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 Earth Observation 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
Experience in EO data analytics, data engineering and data format standards, including novel approaches

Experience in Earth Observation instrument data processing algorithms and product quality characterisation, with a particular focus on EO optical data

Knowledge of software development and operations in cloud-based environments and demonstrated experience of Python development

Sound knowledge of the Copernicus programme and related EO initiatives

Strong innovation and problem-solving skills

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education
A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements
The following competencies would be considered assets:

• High-level motivation and dedication, with the ability to take ownership and act proactively
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills
• Strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.
  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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.

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 via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer
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.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be 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*.

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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