Earth Observation Scientist

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 offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development.We’re looking for an Earth Observation Scientist, to reinforce the team in our Italy office.The Difference You Will Make: You will contribute directly to some of Europe’s most exciting space programmes, from Earth observation and climate monitoring to satellite navigation and space safety. Your work will play a vital role in ensuring mission success, enabling better decision-making on Earth and driving innovation in orbit. Whether you’re helping managing spacecraft operations, analysing mission data, or supporting software and systems development, your expertise will help move Europe’s space ambitions forward.Why Join Serco: Work in an international and diverse team environment, surrounded by top-tier scientists, engineers, and technical experts. Access continuous professional development and training opportunities tailored to the space sector. Be part of a company that values work-life balance, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence. Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, innovative projects, and mission-critical systems in collaboration with major space agencies. We look forward to meeting you.As an Earth Observation Scientist you will be supporting several ESA Earth Observation programme initiatives, in particular: Technical support in liaison with external bodies (e.g., CEOS, OGC). Definition of best practices and standards to be applied across projects. Integration support across different projects into the larger EO ecosystem. Technical assessment of improvement opportunities across projects. Support to configuration baseline and change management. Validation and Verification of Software Systems. Provision of technical input for contributions to conferences, workshops and communications. Your skills: Remote Sensing. Big Data architectures, possibly in EO context. Exploitation/analysis Platforms in EO context. Artificial Intelligence, possibly in context of EO data processing. Technical requirements specification for Software Systems. EO market, market intelligence and business models. Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Space Sector (downstream domain). Other skills, knowledge and experience: Ability to work autonomously under constraints, in direct contact with ESA. Pro-active approach to problem identification and resolution. Able to manage several tasks in parallel and to prioritise. Excellent writing skills in English. Good team working skills. About Serco: 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 likes of ESA, CNES, EUMETSAT, EUSPA, ASI and NASA. We offer space capabilities across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies across Europe and the globe We work within the heart of the space sector so understand the challenges our customers face. When it comes to recruitment we are experts in sourcing the very best talent within space engineering, earth observation, satellite communications and cyber security. We have placed hundreds of people from post graduates through to C-suite executives into space agencies, satellite operators, manufacturers, system integrators, consultancies, earth observation/remote sensing, launch providers and much more.