Data science applications engineer

Closing Date: 3 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Description

The EO Applications Engineer will report to the Head of the Enterprise Section in the Green Solutions Division, Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Enterprise Section in the Green Solutions Division is responsible for initiating innovative developments linked to novel processing methods, the exploitation of new data sets, the development of new methods integrating EO and non-EO data streams and the stimulation of new EO applications and addressing structural blockages to wider uptake of Earth observation-based applications and analytics.

As a selected candidate you will set up and run ground‑breaking EO application development activities exploiting advanced AI methods, novel modelling approaches (such as fusion of EO and agent‑based models, fuzzy graphs, neuromorphic processing, etc.) and innovative combinations of EO and non‑EO data (such as transponders, IoT sensor networks, robotic platforms, etc.). These will target both improvements over current EO applications and services (notably in domains such as civil security) as well as stimulating expanded uptake of Earth observation-derived information into new demand sectors, in particular economic activity management and human systems process characterisation. Applications development in resilience‑oriented domains will also be pursued, in particular with respect to hybrid threat detection, characterisation and mitigation.

You will cooperate with complementary initiatives both within EOP (e.g. Digital Twin Earth, F‑lab, Scout missions, “Stepping Stones”) and other ESA directorates, in particular the Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness as well as the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Duties

The main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• working with key stakeholders in diverse stakeholder communities to establish and consolidate requirements for geoinformation products and services and to identify priority gaps in current capabilities;
• working with EO and non‑EO industry stakeholder groups to agree priority innovative AI‑based EO processing methods for industrialisation, in particular for enhanced information extraction, multi‑dataset fusion, inference and short‑term prediction;
• elaborating technical specifications for applications and services to address priority requirements and gaps agreed with relevant stakeholders;
• identifying, assessing and implementing ideas for innovative combinations of EO and advanced AI capabilities to enhance decision support system functionalities;
• setting up and managing industrial procurements for the execution of development activities for novel Earth observation‑based applications and services;
• interfacing with the EOP Ground Segment and Mission Management Department to ensure consistency with complementary ground segment capability development activities;
• interfacing with ESA and EU industrial development and commercialisation initiatives to identify and capitalise on potential to transfer and scale up successful projects;
• contributing to ESA communication efforts promoting EO results, mission achievements and EO benefits for society and Earth Action.

Experience and Qualifications

Experience in the use of space‑based applications within one or more of the following domains: environmental management and security, climate adaptation, natural resources management, infrastructure management, urban development, societal resilience.

Specialist working experience in AI‑based processing methods exploiting EO data.

Experience in working with public and private sector stakeholders to stimulate expanded uptake of space‑based capabilities.

Experience in setting up and executing projects involving the exploitation of Earth observation data in combination with complementary data streams.

Knowledge of ESA EO programmes and activities, in particular programmes to support European space industry development.

A master’s in a relevant discipline such as signal processing, earth science, computer science or data science is required for this post together with 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional Requirements

Experience in setting up and running ESA procurements and managing ESA contracts addressing space application developments would be an advantage.

Strong problem‑solving skills to deal with day‑to‑day operational challenges.

Strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions orally and in writing.

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.

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.

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

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, 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.