EO Applications Engineer

EO Applications Engineer, reporting to the Head of the Enterprise Section in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (EOP).

The Enterprise section is responsible for initiating innovative developments linked to novel processing methods, the exploitation of new data sets, and the development of new methods integrating EO and non‑EO data streams. It also focuses on stimulating new EO applications and addressing structural blockages that hinder the wider uptake of EO‑based analytics and services.

You will be responsible for setting up and running innovative application development activities as well as developments that address structural barriers to the wider uptake and adoption of EO‑based applications and services. Key duties include:

• Identify ongoing or planned partner‑funded activities where customised EO‑based analytics tools can improve overall outcomes.
• Specify, set up and manage ESA‑funded actions to develop innovative methods to integrate EO data, non‑EO data (e.g., IoT sensor networks or transponder data) and novel modelling approaches (for example, agent‑based models).
• Work with priority industry sectors (such as manufacturing, chemicals or construction) to produce next‑generation analytics capabilities that will support their transformation towards climate‑resilient production and supply chain operations.
• Manage specific tenders supporting the wider interests of the Earth Action pillar of the FutureEO programme.

Duties

• Work with key stakeholders in diverse stakeholder communities to establish and consolidate requirements for geoinformation products and services and to identify priority gaps in current capabilities.
• Work with industry representative bodies to understand emerging opportunities and threats with respect to expanded EO uptake and acceptance.
• Draft technical specifications for applications and services to address the priority requirements and gaps agreed with relevant stakeholders.
• Work in close cooperation with the European EO and non‑EO industry to establish operations scenarios and technical approaches for the generation and delivery of a portfolio of EO‑based applications and services addressing agreed priorities and gaps within diverse stakeholder communities.
• Set up and manage industrial procurements to implement development activities for novel EO‑based applications and services addressing both industrial competitiveness priorities as well as department‑level calls and tenders.
• Interface with the EOP Ground Segment and Mission Management Department to ensure consistency with complementary ground segment capability development activities.
• Interface with ESA and EU industrial development and commercialisation initiatives to identify and capitalise on the potential to transfer and scale up successful projects.
• Contribute to ESA communication efforts promoting EO results, mission achievements and EO benefits for society.

Qualifications

• Experience in the use of space‑based applications within one or more of the following domains: environmental management and security, climate adaptation, natural resources management, infrastructure management, urban development or societal resilience.
• Experience in working with public and private sector stakeholders to stimulate the greater uptake of space‑based capabilities.
• Experience in setting up and implementing projects involving the exploitation of Earth observation data.
• Knowledge of ESA EO programmes and activities, particularly programmes supporting the development of the European space industry.
• A master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Signal Processing, Earth science, environment, ecology, ecosystem science, Computer Science or Data Science is required together with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
• Result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation, relationship management, continuous improvement and forward thinking.

Additional Requirements

• Experience in setting up and running ESA procurements and managing ESA contracts addressing space application developments is an advantage.
• Strong problem‑solving skills to deal with day‑to‑day operational challenges.
• Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions orally and in writing.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are considered only from nationals 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, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

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.