DestinE Earth Science Model Engineer

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Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy 

DestinE Earth Science Model Engineer, Ecosystem Development Section, Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division, Earth Observation Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
You will be a member of the DestinE and Digital Twin Earth (DTE) projects under the responsibility of the DestinE and DTE Project Manager.

As part of the ESA Earth Observation framework, ESA, together with its partners and the European Earth Observation and Information Technology industries, is developing a digital ecosystem of Copernicus and DestinE data management and modelling services to foster user exploitation activities as well as the growth of a sustainable industrial network of services.
ESA contributes to the development of this ecosystem by defining the necessary strategic development objectives and by procuring products and services from industry and supporting new industrial projects.
ESA also supports the integration of ESA Member States or European Union environments and platforms, maximising synergy between European and national initiatives and optimising the user experience.

To successfully achieve the projects’ objectives, you will be responsible for managing the implementation and integration of Earth science models in the operational DestinE framework, including the related end-to-end industrial procurement and technical management of the activities, ensuring that performance remains within the planned costs and schedule.

You will report to the Head of the Ecosystem Development Section and have the following duties:

• Establishing the plan and managing the implementation and integration of Earth science models in the operational DestinE framework;
• Reporting on the implementation, integration and operations project status, performance and plans and supporting the reporting on the ecosystem development;
• Technical coordination with the other project areas;
• Planning and supporting the adoption of ecosystem services by a large user community;
• Planning and supporting communication activities;
• Planning and supporting the evolution of the ecosystem services including co-design activities;
• Specifying and procuring the necessary tools or services to support the tasks;
• Managing procurements, including the preparation of tender documentation and evaluation of industrial proposals, such as for tools or services;
• Negotiation and management of the industrial contracts related to your area of responsibility, such as by verifying and accepting industrial outputs and planning milestones;
• Interfacing with industry for all matters related to area of responsibility;
• Supporting Copernicus and DestinE project reviews;
• Identifying risks and mitigation actions related to your area of responsibility;
• Providing expert technical support to the Copernicus Ground Segment and DestinE teams;
• Monitoring applicable technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• Contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and to the transfer of knowledge and lessons learned within ESA;
• Coordinating activities performed in collaboration with European industry and the academic world, promoting ESA’s activities to students, researchers and universities while stimulating cross-fertilisation and new ideas;
• Supporting the ESA Earth Observation quality system for the definition and maintenance of the Copernicus, DestinE and ESA DTE quality programme of work. 

Multidisciplinary knowledge of your area of responsibility

Sound knowledge of Earth science modelling and EO applications

Sound knowledge of state-of-the-art modelling and simulation solutions

Sound understanding of DestinE objectives and challenges

Experience in interfacing with external parties, including institutional entities, industry and user communities/services

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

A master's in a relevant domain is required for this post.

The following competencies are considered assets: 

• High-level motivation and dedication, taking ownership and acting proactively 
• Five years of experience in DestinE or Copernicus related programs or international context. 

You should also have:

• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills 
• A strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing 
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.
  

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to theESA Competency Framework .

 For further information please visit: Professionals , What we offer   and FAQ    

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.     

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

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 at [email protected] .

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

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States *.

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

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. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States. ​