VN 26/33 Remote Sensing Scientist - Image Navigation and Registration

EUMETSAT is Europe’s meteorological satellite agency - monitoring the weather and climate from space - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are currently looking for an experienced Remote Sensing Scientist to join our international team contributing to the L1 geometric processing aspects for EUMETSAT’s Geostationary and Low Earth Orbit Missions. This role is rooted in the mission of EUMETSAT and will provide the opportunity to work with leading IT, Space and Earth Observation organisations and domain experts to make a positive impact on society!

The Remote Sensing and Products (RSP) Division is providing the scientific expertise required to develop, implement, validate, maintain and evolve the operational observational products for all EUMETSAT satellites and agreed third party missions, as well as establishing the user requirements for future EUMETSAT satellite programmes. RSP offers the opportunity for top-level scientists and experts to work in an environment combining interdisciplinary collaboration and full end-to-end perspective of satellite missions. The activities encompass the space segment and ground segment development, integration, on-ground and in-orbit testing, monitoring during operations and support to end-users.

The Remote Sensing Scientist – Image Navigation and Registration Scientist is responsible for the scientific development, validation, and operational support of Level-1 (L1) remote sensing products for current and future satellite missions. The role focuses on the analysis and optimisation of image navigation and registration performance, including geometric monitoring and quality assessment of L1 products.

The post holder provides scientific support to operational data processing activities to ensure the reliable and timely generation of products. Responsibilities include the development and maintenance of scientific software tools, primarily in Python, for performance monitoring, anomaly investigation, and algorithm evolution. The role requires the ability to analyse large datasets, work with databases, and assess the impact of instrument and platform characteristics on geometric processing performance and product quality.

Duties

The primary tasks and key focus areas for the post holder include:

  • Acquire and maintain an in-depth understanding of the imagers, infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometers, polarimeters and imaging spectrometers of current (EPS, MSG, MTG-I, Sentinel-3, MTG-S, EPS-SG) and future (CO2M and next generation GEO/LEO) satellite systems and of their Level-1 algorithmic processing and geometric performances.
  • Develop and apply data analysis and image processing methods (primarily using Python) to assess geometric performances and support operational Level-1 processor improvements for operational satellite programmes.
  • Support the maintenance, enhancements, testing and validation of the Level-1 processing systems for current and future missions, including monitoring performance, resolving processing anomalies and evolving Level-1 processing specifications.
  • Support the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of geometric performance tools for commissioning, calibration/validation (Cal/Val), and routine operations.
 

LOCATION

Darmstadt, Germany

QUALIFICATIONS

An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Remote Sensing, Physics, Meteorology, Engineering or related disciplines.

LANGUAGES

The official languages of EUMETSAT are English and French. Candidates must be able to work effectively in English and have some knowledge of French.

DEADLINE

10 August 2026

Duties

The primary tasks and key focus areas for the post holder include:

  • Acquire and maintain an in-depth understanding of the imagers, infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometers, polarimeters and imaging spectrometers of current (EPS, MSG, MTG-I, Sentinel-3, MTG-S, EPS-SG) and future (CO2M and next generation GEO/LEO) satellite systems and of their Level-1 algorithmic processing and geometric performances.
  • Develop and apply data analysis and image processing methods (primarily using Python) to assess geometric performances and support operational Level-1 processor improvements for operational satellite programmes.
  • Support the maintenance, enhancements, testing and validation of the Level-1 processing systems for current and future missions, including monitoring performance, resolving processing anomalies and evolving Level-1 processing specifications.
  • Support the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of geometric performance tools for commissioning, calibration/validation (Cal/Val), and routine operations.

Skills and Experience

  • Good theoretical knowledge of remote sensing physics relevant to measurements of optical instruments;
  • Proven experience in developing scientific application software using Python. Familiarity with databases and additional expertise in general-purpose programming languages (such as C++ and Java) is an advantage;
  • Familiarity with spaceborne Image Navigation and Registration (INR), rectification, and geometric image quality assessment methodologies and techniques is an advantage.
  • Demonstrated experience of working with optical imaging instruments Level-1 algorithmic processing, in the development or the operational phase;
  • Excellent analytical, synthesis, and presentation skills, paired with strong interpersonal abilities and a proven track record of successfully applying these skills within teams and across multidisciplinary collaborations.

Employment Conditions

The initial contract will be of 4 years’ duration, with subsequent 5 year contracts being awarded thereafter, subject to individual performance and organisation requirements. There is no limit to the amount of follow-up contracts a staff member can receive up to the EUMETSAT retirement age of 63 and there are certainly opportunities to establish a long career perspective at EUMETSAT.
This post is graded A2/A4 on the EUMETSAT salary scales. The minimum basic salary for this post is EURO  7,553  per month (net of internal tax but excluding pension contribution and insurances) which may be negotiable on the basis of skills and experience. The salary scale provides for increments on the anniversary of taking up employment, and scales are reviewed by the EUMETSAT Council with effect from 1 January each year. In addition to basic salary, EUMETSAT offers attractive benefits. Further information, including salary details, is available on the EUMETSAT web site.

EUMETSAT is committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.
Please note that only nationals of EUMETSAT Member States may apply. The EUMETSAT Convention requires that Staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, account being taken of the international character of EUMETSAT.

About EUMETSAT

EUMETSAT is Europe’s meteorological satellite agency. Its role is to establish and operate meteorological satellites to monitor the weather and climate from space - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This information is supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organisation's Member States in Europe, as well as other users worldwide.

EUMETSAT also operates several Copernicus missions on behalf of the European Union and provide data services to the Copernicus marine and atmospheric services and their users.

As an intergovernmental European Organisation, EUMETSAT has 30 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.)

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