LIDAR Instrument Engineer

Location: Frascati, Italy

Application deadline: 8 November 2024

Reference number: 0111

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?

We are looking for a LIDAR Instrument Engineer to join our team in Frascati, Italy.

As part of the PDGS Engineering Support service, you will have the opportunity to assist the Data Quality Manager in areas related to Instrument Performance, Operational Processors (with a focus on Level 1), and Calibration (particularly offline calibration). This role covers activities starting from Phase E2.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Operational Processors support communication between all stakeholders in Phase E2 using collaborative tools.
• Reviews related to Level 1 processors and offline calibration processors.
• Planning and Preparation of documentation during the phase E2 data quality activities (including processor maintenance and evolution as well as product monitoring).
• Support for the testing and acceptance of Level 1.
• Testing is considered white-box testing, i.e., an understanding of the processing algorithms and detailed working of the processors shall be acquired.
• Documentation review from various sources. Generation of technical notes.
• Providing support to instrument anomaly investigations (tracing back to L1b data).
• Support the investigation of anomaly mitigation (on instrument settings or calibration processors).
• Support to the updates of the Offline Calibration Processors and in particular the derivation and provision of updated instrument and CCDB settings.
• Interact with the Mission Post Launch Support and associated industry as well as the DISC.
• Participate in progress and planning meetings relevant to the tasks. Participation and support to the Mission Advisory Groups and Quality Working Groups.
• Support the integration of the processors within processing centre.
• Definition of integration and validation tests.
• Run of integration and validation tests procedures.
• Test results analysis and reporting.
• Support review of products Quality Control and Instruments Monitoring baselines.
• Support for processing algorithms definition and review.
• Support to products format definition review.
• Ad-hoc development of tools for the accomplishment of the PDGS testing and validation.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in Remote Sensing and Earth Observation.
• A good understanding of and background in geophysical sciences and/or specific instruments as LIDAR, Radiometer and MultiSpectral Imager.
• Proven experience in instrument development and on-ground testing.
• Expertise in the development of instrument L1 ATBD.
• Strong background in instrument and data monitoring.
• Solid experience in data quality control.
• Familiarity with the development of operational processors.
• Experience in calibration activities.
• Ability to independently write technical notes, specifications, and reports in English.
• Desire to work both autonomously and as part of a team, in an international multicultural environment.
• Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Good knowledge of the ESA Earth Explorers missions (and instruments).
• Programming skills to develop tools for the accomplishment of the engineering, testing and validation activities.
• Sound knowledge of containerization technologies and virtual environment.
• Knowledge of the ECSS standards, documentation and configuration control management techniques.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, all genders, LGBTQ+ individuals and ex-service personnel.