EO Systems Architect

Role Overview

• Developing and driving activities to explore diverse architectural elements in order to evolve and maintain a European Earth Observation Ecosystem Reference Architecture (blueprint) for the 2030–2060 timeframe;
• Preparing new architectures addressing the paradigm shifts in Earth observation driven by artificial intelligence/machine learning in the upstream (i.e. on board spacecraft) and downstream (e.g. numerical prediction application) domains;
• Conducting periodic observation gap analyses and/or impact studies to support the formulation of architectural options for the European EO strategy;
• Establishing high-level user needs, constraints and interests for different mission types across a wide spectrum of different actors (including national and commercial entities) to inform architectural options;
• Identifying programmatic capacities, overlaps and links, and the means to foster their transformation into synergies;
• Leveraging active external networks, exploring new and future EO domains with an observatory function, permanently searching for innovation and gathering information on technology evolution, including benchmarking activities in relation to other organisations/systems;
• Analysing technical and economic issues and trends under new EO sector initiatives to assess the relevant feasibility, i.e.: estimating the scientific, operational, strategic and economic impact of new services and products and their applications;
• Trading off different scenarios in terms of cost, risk, affordability and available programmatic lines to facilitate integration into existing infrastructure;
• Identifying an appropriate procurement scheme and private sector involvement.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in engineering, mathematics or physics is required for this post.
• A minimum of five years of experience in EO activities is required.
• Demonstrated ability for the collection, analysis and synthesis of information that pertains to various fields (technical, scientific or economic) and is drawn from various sources.
• Experience of machine learning/artificial intelligence for numerical, weather, ocean and climate prediction systems.
• A thorough knowledge of synergies between complementary Earth observation techniques would be an asset.
• Familiarity with current and future planned satellite missions including instruments, technologies, user and stakeholder needs/plans, both within ESA and within relevant international programmes and commercial Earth observation entities.
• Particular importance will be attached to your capabilities to work closely with international experts, relevant scientific/industrial and political organisations and bodies, as well as to function in a team environment.
• Familiarity with the programmatic outlook in the ESA FutureEO, Earth Watch and Copernicus domains will also be a key asset.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Pension scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities