Commercial Earth Observation Systems Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates in multiple countries across Europe and collaborates with various international partners. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. The agency is committed to promoting scientific research, technological innovation, and the peaceful use of outer space.

Job Overview:
The position of Commercial Earth Observation Systems Engineer is situated within the Invest Office of the ɸ-lab Division, part of the Climate Action, Sustainability & Science Department at ESA. The successful candidate will be responsible for the technical, commercial, and programmatic management of co-funded activities related to commercial Earth Observation (EO). This role emphasizes the InCubed (Investing in Industrial Innovation) Earth Watch programme, which aims to stimulate innovation in the EO sector. The engineer will leverage their technical expertise in EO space systems and applications, alongside their ability to evaluate commercial and financial information, to support entrepreneurial initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities, ensuring that all activities align with the InCubed programme's commercial and technical criteria, and fostering synergies with various stakeholders in the EO ecosystem.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Commercial Earth Observation Systems Engineer include facilitating high-risk/high-potential developments through co-funding and financial risk mitigation arrangements. The engineer will prepare, evaluate, and oversee innovative development activities executed by industry and research organizations of ESA Member States for the InCubed programme. Responsibilities also include ensuring that activities meet the InCubed commercial and technical criteria, facilitating synergies with ecosystem stakeholders, and stimulating the development of 'NewSpace' solutions for EO. The engineer will identify and report risks and opportunities in assigned activities, critically review results from a system engineering and commercial perspective, and promote successful achievements. Additionally, the engineer will prospect for and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to EO systems, ensuring coordination of technology developments and system architectures, and liaising with counterparts in other ESA directorates to maximize coherence in ESA activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of 'NewSpace' technologies and markets, with a comprehensive end-to-end EO systems-engineering competence. This includes knowledge of space segment definition, payload/sensor design, ground segment architecture, data processing pipelines, product generation, and service delivery. Experience in project management, business development, and analysis within the commercial space sector is essential. A proven track record in co-funded activities and a good understanding of commercial and financial data are also required.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in engineering, physics, or data science is required for this position. Further education in business development or management, such as a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), is considered an asset. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the technical and commercial aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a strong background in Earth observation, with direct experience in the space industry. Candidates should have relevant professional experience, ideally with a minimum of four years following the completion of their master's degree. This experience should encompass both technical and commercial aspects of EO systems and applications.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for applicants. Additionally, knowledge of another language from an ESA Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile in a multilingual working environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and is classified within the grade band A2-A

• Recruitment will prioritize candidates from ESA Member States, with a focus on achieving diversity within the workforce. The agency is committed to inclusivity and welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process may involve selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The agency is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which may lead to organizational changes affecting this position.