ESA

Earth Observation Systems Engineer

Frascati, Italy

Full Time

24 minutes ago

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Job description

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

Commercial EO System Engineer in the Invest Office of the ɸ-lab Division, Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (EOP).

You will work within the ɸ-lab Division and report to the Head of the Φ-lab Invest office.

You will be responsible for providing technical, commercial and programmatic support in assessing and managing co-funded activities for commercial Earth Observation (EO), in particular within the InCubed (Investing in Industrial Innovation) Earth Watch programme element.

You are a technical professional with (industrial) experience in EO space systems and applications, as well as in evaluating commercial, financial and investment information, typically for the purpose of supporting entrepreneurial initiatives.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

Facilitating high-risk/high-potential developments based on co-funding and other ﬁnancial risk mitigation arrangements;
Preparing, evaluating and overseeing innovative and commercially oriented development activities performed by the industry and research organisations of ESA Member States for the InCubed programme in all elements of the EO value chain;
Ensuring that activities meet the commercial and technical criteria of InCubed and that development priorities are set accordingly;
Facilitating synergies with ecosystem stakeholders such as InCubed alumni, other ESA programmes, private and public investors, and end users/customers;
Stimulating and supporting the development of NewSpace solutions and systems for EO;
Identifying and reporting to EOP line management in a timely manner any risks and opportunities in the assigned activities;
Critically reviewing the results of the activities from a systems engineering and commercial perspective and proactively promoting successful achievements;
Prospecting for and evaluating emerging technologies, methodologies and techniques relevant for space/ground/user segments of NewSpace EO systems in cooperation with the EOP units ensuring coordination of EO technology developments and system architectures;
Liaising with counterparts in other ESA directorates (such as Technology, Engineering and Quality, or Connectivity and Secure Communications) to maximise the overall coherence of ESA activities and to promote and position InCubed within the space sector.

Technical competencies

Understanding of "NewSpace" technologies, approach, and markets (engineering and commercial view)

Experience in business development and/or analysis, preferably in commercial space sector

Good understanding of commercial and financial data

Knowledge of and relevant background in EO applications and technologies (sensors, data acquisition and distribution, and data processing)

Expertise in SAR and optical remote sensing data, as well as in advanced processing techniques

Experience in project management with a strong ability to identify and manage opportunities and risks

Basic knowledge of ESA procurement processes

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 engineering, physics or data science is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You should have a strong background in Earth Observation with direct experience in the space industry and a proven track record in co-funded activities.

Further qualification in business development/management (such as an MBA) would be considered an asset.

Familiarity with AI applications in EO data would be considered an asset.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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 are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.