Job Description

Commercial Earth Observation Systems Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20189

Date Posted: 21 January 2026

Closing Date: 11 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Frascati, IT

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

Commercial EO System Engineer in the Invest Office of the ɸ-lab Division, Climate Action, Sustainability & Science Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (EOP).

You will work within the ɸ-lab Division and report to the Head of the Φ-lab Invest office (EOP-S8I). You will be responsible for technical, commercial, and programmatic management of co-funded activities for commercial Earth Observation (EO), in particular within the InCubed (Investing in Industrial Innovation) Earth Watch programme element. You are a technical professional with (industrial) experience in EO space systems and applications and with additional expertise in evaluating commercial, financial and investment information, typically for the purpose of supporting entrepreneurial initiatives.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

facilitating high-risk/high-potential developments based on co-funding and other ﬁnancial risk mitigation arrangements;
preparing, evaluating and overseeing, as ESA Technical Officer, innovative and commercially oriented development activities, executed by industry and research organisations of ESA Member States for the InCubed programme in all the elements of the EO value chain;
ensuring that activities meet the InCubed commercial and technical criteria and that development priorities are set accordingly;
facilitating synergies with ecosystem stakeholders such as InCubed alumni, other ESA programmes, private and public investors, end users/customers;
stimulating and supporting the development of “NewSpace” solutions and systems for EO;
identifying and reporting to EOP line management in a timely manner any risks and opportunities in the assigned activities;
critically reviewing the results of the activities from a system engineering and commercial point of view and proactively promoting successful achievements;
prospecting for and evaluating emerging technologies, methodologies and techniques relevant for space/ground/user segments of “NewSpace” EO systems in cooperation with the EOP units ensuring coordination of EO technology developments and system architectures;
liaising with counterparts in other ESA directorates (e.g. TEC,CIC) to maximise the overall coherence of ESA activities and to promote and position InCubed within the space sector

Technical competencies

In-depth understanding of "NewSpace" technologies, approach, and markets (engineering and commercial view)

Strong end-to-end EO systems-engineering competence, covering the full chain from space segment definition and payload/sensor design, to ground segment architecture, data processing pipelines, product generation, and service delivery, including performance budgeting, system-level trade-offs, interface definition, and verification/validation activities

Knowledge and relevant background of EO Applications and technologies (sensors, data acquisition and distribution, data processing)

Experience in project management with strong ability to identify and manage opportunities and risks

Proven track record in co-funded activities. Experience in business development and/or analysis, preferably within the commercial space sector

Good understanding of commercial and financial data

Basic knowledge of ESA procurement processes

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 in engineering, physics or data science is required, and a further education in business development/management (e.g. Master’s of Business Administration) is considered an asset.

Additional requirements

You should have a strong background in Earth observation with direct experience in the space industry.You should have a strong background in Earth observation with direct experience in the space industry.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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
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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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*.

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.