Copernicus and DestinE EO Data Architect and AI Expert (2 posts)

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 operates across various countries in Europe. 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 is known for its commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, with a workforce of over 2,200 employees and numerous partnerships with industry and academia. The agency's Earth Observation Programmes are particularly focused on providing high-quality data and services to support environmental monitoring and management, climate change research, and disaster response.

Job Overview:
The positions of EO Data Architect and AI Expert are critical roles within the Copernicus Ground Segment Systems Section and the Ecosystem Development Section of ESA. These roles are designed to enhance the operational missions and data management of the Copernicus Sentinels missions. The successful candidates will be responsible for developing and optimizing the data architecture that supports the extraction of actionable information from various datasets, including climate-related data. The positions require a blend of expertise in Earth Observation (EO) instruments, data processing algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The candidates will work on designing EO data pipelines that facilitate efficient data collection and transformation, enabling advanced analytics and modeling services that foster user exploitation activities. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of Copernicus Sentinel missions and ensuring the effective management of large volumes of EO data.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for the EO Data Architect and AI Expert positions include:

• Driving and managing the definition and evolution of the Copernicus Sentinels and DestinE data architecture to optimize the extraction of actionable information from EO data.
• Designing and specifying EO data pipelines that enable efficient collection, transformation, and access to datasets for AI and ML workflows.
• Managing the implementation of these pipelines through associated procurement activities.
• Contributing to the definition of future Copernicus Sentinel missions’ EO data architecture and data processing algorithms.
• Supporting operational Copernicus Sentinels missions and DestinE data management activities.
• Shaping and optimizing the big EO data management architecture to develop innovative operational services for users.
• Providing expertise on advanced analytics and leading initiatives to optimize the handling of EO data in cloud-based and HPC environments.
• Supporting the development of an ecosystem of Copernicus or DestinE data management and modeling services to enhance user exploitation activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in Earth Observation, artificial intelligence, and data architecture. They should demonstrate familiarity with satellite missions, sensors, and EO data processing algorithms. Knowledge of geospatial data formats, metadata, and interoperability standards is essential. Candidates should also have competence in spatial reference systems, projections, and coordinate transformations for EO data. Experience in scalable data architectures for big data frameworks and cloud-native technologies is required, along with expertise in distributed computing frameworks such as Apache Spark or Dask. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of AI/ML models and their applications in EO data analytics.

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 have the necessary technical knowledge and skills to perform the complex tasks associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master's degree. This experience should include work in the fields of Earth Observation, data architecture, and artificial intelligence, demonstrating a strong ability to manage and analyze large datasets effectively.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
The positions are offered as a four-year appointment, which may be extended to an indefinite duration based on performance and organizational needs. The recruitment process may involve 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. The agency values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support in the workplace.