Instrument Engineer

Job Introduction

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA.

Serco Italia S.p.A. is one of the top 50 World Space Manufacturing and Service companies with a long history of providing Earth Observation operations, maintenance and front-end services to the European Space Agency. The company also offers vast experience to a huge number of IT and space markets including: central governments, defence organisations, the aerospace industry and commercial companies.

We are currently seeking a dedicated Instrument Engineer (SAR) to join our team as part of the PDGS Engineering Support Service. You will have the opportunity to support the Data Quality Manager, covering aspects related to SAR Instrument Performance, Operational Processors and Calibration. This role spans from phase C/D to phase E1 and possibly into phase E2.

Main Responsibilities

• Support and assistance to the Data Quality Manager, PDGS Manager and the Mission Project:
  • Processor support communication between developers, Mission Project, Data Quality Manager, PDGS Manager and the DISC (using cloud-based collaborative Algorithm and Analysis Platform).
  • Reviews within DISC related to SAR Level-1, Level-2 and Level-3 processors.
  • Planning and Preparation of documentation related to data quality activities (including processor maintenance and evolution as well as product monitoring).
• Support for the testing and acceptance of SAR:
  • Level-1 processors/products.
  • Level-2 and Level-3 processors/products, related Cal/Val and data quality tools, and processors related to the secondary objectives.
  • Testing is considered white-box testing, i.e., an understanding of the processing algorithms and detailed working of the processors shall be acquired.
• Review of technical, scientific and managerial documentation from various sources: ESA, Industry/Developers, Mission Experts, DISC, Post Launch Support etc.
• Support integration of SAR Level-1, Level-2 and Level-3 processors in a cloud-based collaborative Algorithm and Analysis Platform.
• Participation in Ground Segment Reviews and PDGS reviews organised either by ESA or by Industry and management support to management of review item discrepancies, system or software problem reports and actions linked to processor development, testing and acceptance activities.
• Support to the Data Quality Manager for the commissioning phase.
• Generation of technical notes whenever needed during the relevant project phases.
• Support to TDS (test data set) generation.
• Support to definition of SAR Level-1, Level-2 and Level-3 processors release management procedures for the different mission phases and support to processor release management itself, particularly steps between delivery by the developers and acceptance by the PDGS for release.
• Providing support to instrument and processor anomaly investigations.
• Support the investigation of anomaly mitigation either on instrument settings or calibration processors.
• Interact with the Post Launch Support and associated industry as well as the DISC.
• Support the tasks related to the in-situ data collection and validation of the Level-2B/3 biophysical products.
• Support the PDGS during the generation of the Level-2B and Level-3 products.
• Participate in progress and planning meetings relevant to the tasks.
• Participation and support to the Quality Working Groups.
• Ad-hoc development of tools in support of the mentioned tasks.
• Workshop planning.
• Follow activities related to other missions that are relevant to SAR Level-1 (for example: GPP development).

Successful Candidate

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• You have a University master degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in Remote Sensing and Earth Observation.
• You have a good understanding and background of SAR Instrument, SAR processing and applications of SAR Polarimetry and Polarimetric Interferometry.
• You have experience in the development and or review of ATBD.
• You have experience in instrument and data monitoring.
• You have experience in data quality control.
• You have experience in operational processors development.
• You have experience in calibration activities.
• You are fluent in English (oral and written).
• You are autonomous in writing technical notes, specifications and reports in English.
• You have good inter-personal skills and team spirit.

The following skills would be highly desirable:

• You have a good knowledge of the ESA Earth Explorers missions (and instruments), and processes related to their PDGS development.
• You have a good understanding and background of Earth Observation applications.
• You possess programming skills to develop tools for the accomplishment of the engineering, testing and validation activities.
• You possess a sound knowledge of containerization technologies and virtual environment.
• You have knowledge of the ECSS standards and documentation and configuration control management techniques.
• You will be requested to travel on mission.

On offer

• Competitive Salary.
• Great career opportunities in the Space industry.
• Comprehensive package of benefits offered by the company, such as life insurance and health insurance.
• Engaging in company events to foster team spirit.
• Hybrid working model to support work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work in an international environment.

Relocation

Rome's central location in Italy offers excellent transportation links within the city and across the country. The city is well-connected by a network of highways and railways, with Ciampino Airport or Fiumicino, providing convenient access to international destinations.

Serco provides relocation support for all EU passport holders planning to move to Rome and join Serco Italia S.p.A.

DE&I

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Serco is based on a culture where every voice is heard and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make an impact in our world.

About The Company

Serco is a leading provider of public services. Our customers are governments or others operating in the public sector. We gain scale, expertise and diversification by operating internationally across five sectors and four geographies: Defence, Space, Justice & Immigration, Transport, Health and Citizen Services, delivered in UK & Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Why Should You Join Serco?

• Contribute to innovative projects in the public services sector, and making a difference.
• Your contributions are valued and recognized, with opportunities for professional/personal growth.
• Be part of a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
• Enjoy a friendly and professional environment that respects your work-life balance.

We are a diverse and inclusive organisation.

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinions that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.

We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you. Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.

In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are a partner of Diversicom and a member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment Team.

Important

Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.

Please contact the recruitment team if needed.

Data Protection:

For more information on how personal data is processed, please see the link Data Protection policy here.

Package Description

Joining Serco Italy’s amazing team offers:

• Competitive Salary
• Great career opportunities in the Space industry
• Corporate Benefits Package
• International environment
• Possible hybrid work

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