Senior Satellite Image Processing Engineer

Role Overview

• Own the definition and documentation of the full data processing chain from L0 (raw detector output) through onboard processing to ground L1A / L1B generation.
• Drive decisions on which processing steps run onboard vs. on the ground, balancing bandwidth constraints, data quality, and storage budgets.
• Maintain the processing architecture as a living technical baseline as the design matures through CDR and into implementation.
• Define what the satellite produces at each stage of the chain: sensor output packet format and embedded telemetry, onboard data handling format, downlink packaging, and the final image product specification (structure, format, delivery).
• Act as the primary interface to hardware partners on data format specifications and interface control documents.
• Own the in-orbit calibration programme: DSNU / PRNU correction table management, side-slither maneuver planning, lunar drift monitoring, and vicarious calibration campaigns at reference sites.
• Develop and maintain the ground L1B processing chain: flat-field correction, radiometric calibration, geometric sensor modelling, and RPC generation.
• Plan and execute the commissioning calibration campaign (~6 months post-launch), including inter-satellite cross-calibration for stereo consistency.
• Lead technical interface discussions with hardware partners on onboard processing constraints and ICDs.
• Support definition and execution of end-to-end simulation and verification campaigns (onboard and on-ground).
• Maintain our AWS-based cloud stack and Databricks environments, and drive adoption of cloud-native geospatial standards (COG, Zarr, STAC) to future-proof the data platform.

Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of optical satellite data processing from raw to analysis-ready (L0→ L1B).
• Radiometric and geometric calibration for space-borne optical instruments.
• Able to hold the system-level picture (end-to-end data flow, onboard/ground interdependencies) while engaging with low-level technical details.
• Comfortable in multi-stakeholder, multi-supplier environments where interfaces are still being defined.
• Background in space systems engineering, remote sensing, or a closely related field.
• Python for data analysis, processing workflows, and automation.
• Experience with TDI pushbroom sensor calibration specifically is a plus.
• In-orbit calibration campaign planning or execution is a plus.
• Familiarity with onboard processing hardware (embedded Linux, hardware-constrained environments) is a plus.
• Experience with stereo satellite missions or photogrammetry is a plus.
• Familiarity with VHR commercial satellite data (Pleiades, WorldView, SuperView) and their calibration approaches is a plus.
• Experience with ICD or interface definition in space projects is a plus.

Tech Stack

• AWS
• Cloud
• Linux
• Python
• Remote Sensing

Benefits

• Flexible working hours and hybrid work model
• we trust our employees to get their work done while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• We empower employees to drive their own career development, take initiative and have the freedom to be creative and bold.
• Not an overtime culture
• we take care that overtime is done only as a necessity and always offset with time off and rest.
• A collaborative and learning environment
• frequent internal workshops, knowledge sharing sessions, journal clubs and hackathons.
• Office located in the centre of Berlin Kreuzberg with free fruit, nuts and drinks.
• A diverse and vibrant international environment of 30+ different nationalities.
• Potential to participate in the employee stock option program.
• Urban Sports membership and BVG subsidy, corporate pension program.