Thermal Infrared instrument engineer

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 an Instrument Engineer to join our team in our premises of Frascati, Italy. Under a very flexible smart-working model, we will have the possibility to work from any area of Italy.

As part of the PDGS Engineering Support Service, our future Thermal Infrared instrument engineer will have the opportunity to support the Data Quality Manager, with a focus on Thermal Infrared Instrument Performance, Operational Processors and Calibration. It spans starting from phase C/D to phase E1 and possibly during phase E2.

About the client and location

This position is open to protected categories under Italian Law 68/99 ("Rules for the right to work of disabled people").

Questa posizione è aperta alle categorie protette L. 68/99.

This project deliverable will be putting you in direct contact with the ESA Centre for Earth Observation (ESRIN) is the European Space Agency's (ESA) base in Frascati, Italy. From this location, ESA conducts most of their earth observation research, including data analysis and distribution for other non-ESA satellites.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Support the Data Quality Manager and PDGS Manager in the following:
• Processor support communication between developers, Mission project, data quality manager, PDGS manager and the DISC (using cloud based collaborative Algorithm and Analysis Platform).
• Reviews related to Thermal L1 and Level 2 Processors.
• Reviews within DISC related to 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).
• Define cross-verification tests and relevant result analysis for the Operational/Prototype processor(s) for Thermal Infrared Level 1 and Level 2 , related to Cal/Val and data quality tool.
• Integration of the Operational processor(s) into the Processing Facility/ Collaborative Platform, including definition of tests and corresponding results analysis.
• The identification of data from the space segment level testing needed to test the PDGS and to the relevant utilisation.
• Support the management and the execution of the PDGS integration, testing and Ground Segment Validation activities.
• Participation to the PDGS coordination meetings, including risk management.
• Participate, whenever required, to GS coordination meetings involving the Mission Project team, PDGS and FOS.
• Participation to the Mission Advisory Groups/DISC review meetings.
• Review of technical, scientific and managerial documentation from various sources: ESA, Industry/Developers, Mission Experts, DISC, Post Launch Support etc.
• Participation to Ground Segment Reviews, PDGS reviews and DISC reviews organized either by ESA or by Industry and management.
• Review item discrepancies, system or software problem reports and actions linked to processor/tools development, testing and acceptance activities related to Operational Processors/tools developed inside the DISC framework.
• Generation of technical notes whenever needed during the relevant project phases.
• Supporting activities related to launch preparation, launch support and commissioning phase
• Support to TDS (test data set) generation
• Ad-hoc development of tools in support of the mentioned tasks.
• Workshop planning.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in Space Engineering, Remote Sensing or Earth Observation.
• Demonstrated experience on Thermal Infrared instrument.
• Experience in the development and or review of ATBD.
• Experience in instrument and data monitoring.
• Experience in data quality control.
• Experience in operational processors development.
• Experience in calibration activities.
• Fluent English language (oral and written).
• Autonomous in writing technical notes, specifications and reports.
• Good inter-personal skills and team spirit.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Good knowledge of the ESA Earth Explorers missions (and instruments), and processes related to their PDGS development.
• Good understanding and background of Earth Observation applications.
• Programming skills to develop tools for testing and validation activities.
• Sound knowledge of containerization technologies and virtual environment.
• Knowledge of the ECSS standards and documentation and configuration control management techniques.
• Knowledge of SAR and/or Hyperspectral instruments.

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.