Data Science Applications 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'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 in multiple countries across Europe and collaborates with various international space organizations, contributing to advancements in Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among other areas.

Job Overview:
The Data Science Applications Engineer will play a pivotal role within the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate, specifically in the Green Solutions Division. This position is focused on the development of innovative Earth observation (EO) applications that leverage advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods and novel modeling approaches. The engineer will be responsible for integrating EO data with non-EO data streams, such as IoT sensor networks and robotic platforms, to enhance decision-making processes in various sectors, including civil security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and economic activity management. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to identify gaps in current capabilities and to stimulate the uptake of EO-derived information in new sectors. The engineer will also pursue applications in resilience-oriented domains, particularly in hybrid threat detection and mitigation. This position offers an opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that have a significant impact on society and the environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Data Science Applications Engineer include:

• Collaborating with key stakeholders to establish and consolidate requirements for geoinformation products and services, identifying priority gaps in current capabilities.
• Engaging with EO and non-EO industry stakeholders to agree on priority innovative AI-based EO processing methods for industrialization, focusing on enhanced information extraction and multi-dataset fusion.
• Developing technical specifications for applications and services that address the agreed-upon requirements and gaps.
• Identifying and implementing innovative combinations of EO and AI capabilities to enhance decision support system functionalities.
• Managing industrial procurements for the execution of development activities related to novel Earth observation-based applications and services.
• Ensuring consistency with complementary ground segment capability development activities by interfacing with the EOP Ground Segment and Mission Management Department.
• Collaborating with ESA and EU industrial development initiatives to identify opportunities for scaling successful projects.
• Contributing to ESA's communication efforts by promoting EO results and mission achievements, highlighting the benefits of EO for society and Earth Action.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in a relevant discipline such as signal processing, earth science, computer science, or data science. Additionally, a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience is required. Candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, a results-oriented mindset, and the ability to prioritize and present practical solutions effectively, both orally and in writing. Experience in setting up and managing ESA procurements and contracts related to space application developments is advantageous. Familiarity with ESA EO programmes and activities, particularly those supporting European space industry development, is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in a relevant field such as signal processing, earth science, computer science, or data science. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in the role of Data Science Applications Engineer.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 4 years of relevant professional experience in fields related to Earth observation and data science. This experience should include working with space-based applications, engaging with public and private sector stakeholders, and executing projects that involve the exploitation of Earth observation data in combination with complementary data streams. Candidates with experience in AI-based processing methods and those who have successfully managed ESA contracts will be given preference.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Knowledge of an additional language from one of the ESA member states is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of the agency.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years, which may be extended up to a maximum of 8 years based on performance and organizational needs. The position is classified within the grade band A2 - A

• Recruitment will primarily occur within this grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. The agency 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 recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment.