Copernicus Data Quality Support: S1 and S2 Mission Management and Copernicus DEM related activities at Telespazio Belgium

This position is fully remote and open to candidates based in the Netherlands, Belgium, or the Czech Republic.

Telespazio Belgium can count on almost 40 years of experience in the field of Space Operations Service & Engineering activities.

We provide a significant contribution to the most major Space programs of the European Space Agency. Our core business is to work on the ground to build bridges into space, contributing to the success of ambitious missions.

The European Space Agency is our biggest client and we provide highly qualified employees to many sites of ESA but mainly for ESTEC in the Netherlands, and we provide a permanent contract with great benefits, a good salary, a relocation package along with genuine support to our employees.

On behalf of the European Space Agency, we are looking for A highly skilled Copernicus Data Quality Support: S-1 and S-2 Mission Management and Copernicus DEM related activities to work remotely in ESA.

What is expected from you:

The Support Service shall contribute to the overall Copernicus Space Component (CSC) Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) strategy implementation and evolution for the Copernicus Sentinels. In 2023, the responsibility of the MPCs was expanded to include also the data quality assessment of commercial satellite data from the established CCMs and data from the European emerging data providers. The MPCs have been tasked by ESA to guide the new CCM emerging data suppliers in their Cal/Val activities and in the gradual further improvement of their products to reach the required level for the Copernicus programme. The Support Service Provider shall accordingly support ESA in the coordination of the MPC activities and the related activities of CCM data providers.

• Prepare for CSC Meetings: Provide inputs for Copernicus data quality meetings, including Mission QWGs, validation teams, and Copernicus Services.
• Conduct Independent Reviews: Analyze MPC documentation (e.g., data quality reports, ATBDs, software notes) and CCM data quality reports, generating lessons learned.
• Investigate Anomalies: Coordinate investigations into instrument anomalies and support fixes, acting as a liaison with mission planning engineers.
• Ensure Traceability & Validation: Maintain traceability of user needs across MPC and FRM activities, and analyze sample data from Sentinels and CCMs for validation.
• Support Sentinel Planning: Contribute to defining, implementing, and optimizing Sentinel-1 and -2 observation scenarios, including simulations, planning, and performance assessments.
• Coordinate Mission Activities: Interface with mission-related entities (e.g., FOS, Ground Segment, PLSO) and support product evolution and algorithm development.
• Review Validation Results: Critically assess validation activities and reports from MPCs on CCM data, and report findings to ESA.
• Manage Observation Tools & Infrastructure: Provide and maintain the necessary infrastructure and software tools (e.g., SaVoir) to support planning and operational activities.
• Engage in Communication & Support: Contribute to communication efforts (e.g., articles, presentations), support the Copernicus Coordination Desk, and respond to user requests.
• Organize Events & Workshops: Help organize Sentinel-related meetings, workshops, and conferences to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What you offer :

• MSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in EO systems operations, data service engineering, or service management.
• Knowledge of Copernicus programme, satellite data services, and SLA-based operations.
• Experience in service integration and operational interfaces
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required

Candidates must be eligible for a security personal clearance from an EU Member State national security administration

When:

Deadline to apply: ASAP

Please note that interviews will be held either via skype, webex, other digital platforms

We look forward to receiving your application for this position!