ERS-EO/SRN Applications Engineer

Engage in the implementation of Space Resilience Nodes through Earth Observation and AI technology.

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ESA - European Space Agency

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Application deadline 4 months ago: Monday 30 Mar 2026 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Engage in the implementation of Space Resilience Nodes through Earth Observation and AI technology.

You have:

  • A master's degree in a relevant engineering subject is required for this post.
  • A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required for this post.
  • Good knowledge of Earth observation missions and data with a focus on data exploitation in the resilience domain.
  • Solid experience across the technical and operational domains in the scope of the SRNs, preferably in resilience-related areas such as disaster risk management, security, climate adaptation and critical infrastructure protection.
  • Direct experience in the technical management and monitoring of industrial activities throughout their whole lifecycle, including procurement.
  • Good understanding of AI and ML methods applied to large EO or multi-source datasets.
  • Knowledge of ICT architectures and solutions, including performance optimisation and security controls applied to EO operational services.
  • Good knowledge of ESA and/or industrial implementation and procurement processes, preferably with experience in the procurement and implementation of EO applications and services.
  • Good knowledge of security processes and frameworks, together with familiarity with security certification.

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

ERS-EO/SRN Applications Engineer in the ERS-EO Programme (European Resilience from Space – Earth Observation Programme), Space Resilience Nodes (SRN) implementation. The overall objective of the ERS-EO Programme is both to prepare and accelerate the future implementation of EOGS (the EU Earth Observation Governmental Service) in close partnership with the EU (under Element 1) and to bring together the initiatives regarding dual-use Earth observation surveillance systems pursued by the various ESA Member States (under Element 2). The Space Resilience Nodes component in Element 2 of the ERS-EO programme targets the implementation of a network of national Space Resilience Nodes combining digital, physical and human capabilities to deliver rapid access to space-enabled solutions supporting disaster and crisis management. The SRNs will serve a wide variety of users at national-regional level, such as Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) Agencies, integrating into their operational practices a suite of space-based civil security applications, from fire management, flood detection to maritime surveillance. Reporting to the ERS-EO/SRN Manager in the Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, you will be responsible for the definition, procurement and technical management of selected SRN activities with a focus on EO systems, AI-based analytics and related EO applications.

Duties

Your duties will include:

  • supporting the architectural definition and the implementation of the SRN activities;
  • supporting the preparation and implementation of selected procurement actions relevant to the SRNs, taking full responsibility for the technical elements and acting as Technical Officer where required;
  • ensuring the technical management and monitoring of the industrial activities under your responsibility in line with cost, schedule, quality and security requirements, including:
    • reviewing technical documentation, participating in progress and review meetings, and accepting deliverables;
    • supporting the definition and implementation of test, validation and demonstration campaigns with users, including performance assessment and collection of user feedback;
  • supporting the design, implementation, integration and validation of prototype and pre-operational services making use of EO data, AI/ML techniques and modelling environments relevant to SRN applications;
  • contributing to the definition of roadmaps for the evolution of SRN-relevant applications and services, identifying technological gaps and innovation opportunities in line with user needs and ESA’s strategic objectives;
  • establishing and maintaining effective coordination across ESA, notably within the ERS-EO Programme, with ESA internal services and with the ESA security office, as well as with relevant external stakeholders for all matters related to the SRNs;
  • contributing to communication and outreach activities, including presentations at internal and external events, workshops and international forums on topics relevant to SRNs;
  • contributing to the SRN reporting, providing clear and timely updates on status, progress, risks, criticalities and plans for the SRN activities;
  • supporting the SRN manager and other SRN team members as required in the planning, implementation, monitoring and consolidation of SRN engineering activities.

Technical competencies

Good knowledge of Earth observation missions and data with a focus on data exploitation in the resilience domain

Solid experience across the technical and operational domains in the scope of the SRNs (e.g. applications and service implementation) preferably in resilience-related areas such as disaster risk management, security, climate adaptation and critical infrastructure protection

Direct experience in the technical management and monitoring of industrial activities throughout their whole lifecycle, including procurement

Good understanding of AI and ML methods applied to large EO or multi-source datasets

Knowledge of ICT architectures and solutions, including performance optimisation and security controls applied to EO operational services

Good knowledge of ESA and/or industrial implementation and procurement processes, preferably with experience in the procurement and implementation of EO applications and services

Good knowledge of security processes and frameworks, together with familiarity with security certification

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A master's degree in a relevant engineering subject is required for this post. Additional specialisation in EO data processing and exploitation or advanced information systems would be considered an asset.

Additional requirements

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required for this post, as well as a high level of motivation and dedication, with the ability to work effectively and with a good degree of autonomy and flexibility in an international and interdisciplinary team.

The ability to maintain an overall system view while managing day-to-day technical challenges would be considered an asset, as would previous experience in interfacing with institutional users (e.g. civil protection, security or climate/environmental authorities, etc.) as well as a multi-domain perspective of space technologies.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Potential interview questions

Describe a successful project you managed that involved Earth observation data. What were the challenges you faced? To assess your project management skills and your familiarity with Earth observation data. Outline the project scope, your specific contributions, and how you overcame obstacles.
How have you applied AI/ML techniques in your previous roles? Can you provide an example? To evaluate your practical knowledge and experience with AI/ML in relevant applications. Pro members can see the explanation.
What processes do you follow to ensure security compliance in your projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle communication and collaboration in a multidisciplinary team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you describe your experience in procurement and how it relates to technical management? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you encountered in the implementation of resilience-related applications? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss an instance where you received feedback from users regarding a service implementation. How did you act on it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay current with developments in Earth observation technologies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 5 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int