ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System 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 encompass 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency'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. ESA operates across various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The position of ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer is integral to the European Resilience from Space – Earth Observation Programme (ERS-EO). This role focuses on the preparation and acceleration of the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS) implementation, working closely with the EU and various ESA Member States. The engineer will be responsible for defining and implementing the EOGS-SM ground segment framework, ensuring interoperability across all ERS-EO downstream components. This includes overseeing mission planning, flight operations, data management, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security operations, with a strong emphasis on compliance with security requirements. The engineer will also contribute to the architectural definition of the ground system and support procurement actions relevant to the ERS-EO downstream domain, ensuring technical management aligns with cost, schedule, quality, and security requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the ERS-EO/Downstream Ground System Engineer include:

• Contributing to EOGS system-level activities relevant to the ground segment and broader ERS-EO downstream domain.
• Supporting the definition and implementation of the EOGS-SM ground segment framework, providing technical expertise across mission planning, flight operations, data generation, and security operations coordination.
• Ensuring compliance with security requirements throughout all activities.
• Contributing to the architectural definition and implementation of ground system functionality, enabling interoperability across ERS-EO downstream components.
• Identifying, defining, and implementing suitable interfaces and pooling mechanisms.
• Supporting procurement actions relevant to the ERS-EO downstream domain, acting as Technical Officer when required.
• Managing and monitoring industrial activities in line with established requirements.
• Supporting the design, implementation, integration, and validation of prototype and pre-operational services utilizing EO data and AI/ML techniques.
• Establishing effective coordination across ESA and with external stakeholders regarding ERS-EO downstream matters. 1
• Providing clear and timely updates on status, progress, risks, and plans for ERS-EO downstream activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate expertise across the technical and operational domains of ERS-EO downstream activities, including mission planning, flight operations, data generation, and security operations coordination. Proven experience in the technical definition and implementation of ground segments for Earth observation missions is essential. Knowledge of ICT architectures, performance optimization, and security controls applied to EO operational services is required. Familiarity with ESA and industrial procurement processes, as well as security processes and frameworks, is also necessary. Candidates should exhibit strong result orientation, operational efficiency, and the ability to foster cooperation and manage relationships effectively.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering subject is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates possess the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required for this position. Candidates should have a high level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to work effectively and autonomously within an international and interdisciplinary team. Experience in developing dual-use systems, particularly in the Earth observation domain, would be considered an asset, as would the ability to maintain an overall system view while managing day-to-day technical challenges.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic requirement is crucial for effective communication within the agency and with external stakeholders.

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

• Recruitment will be conducted within this grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant professional experience may be considered for an A1 level position. Applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to acquire security clearance from their national security administrations. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.