About this job

Serco is a trusted provider of services to National Space Agencies and the European Space Agency (ESA), we have over 40 years’ experience supporting the space sector and providing services for all stages of our customer’s space missions.

Dedicated to the European Space Agency’s Earth-observing activities, ESA-ESRIN is the European centre of excellence for exploitation of Earth observation missions. The mission and payload operations of ESA’s Earth observation satellites are managed here, and ESRIN is the primary source for the acquisition, distribution, and exploitation of data from these and other non-ESA satellites.

We are seeking a Data Quality Mission Support Engineer (Atmospheric Chemistry EO Data) to join our multi-cultural team in Frascati, Italy.

Your mission will place you working for the European Space Agency’s Atmospheric Missions Quality Centre, assisting the Atmospheric Data Quality Manager with the technical management/ coordination of the centre’s operational service. The main focus would be ensuring the products are within the specifications in terms of characteristics, performance, and accuracy, to detect instrument anomalies or degradation that may impact the data performance and developing mitigation actions.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Atmospheric Data Quality Manager in the set-up and follow-up of the Quality Centre contract:
  • Critical review of the service documents (e.g., Service Definition, Service operational procedures etc), review of documents from the user community (e.g., Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents, Product User Manuals, Product Readme Files)
  • Follow-up the product quality anomalies raised by the service or third parties
  • When needed, support/ review the service activity related to the user queries received via the Services Coordinated Interface (SCI) team and/ or via the Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) Coordination Desk
• Supporting the Data Quality Manager in preparing presentations and participation to relevant meetings e.g., progress meetings, mission Yearly review meetings
• Occasional inspection of the data products when needed, using Panoply tool or any other relevant tool for data inspection
• Support the organization and attend the Quality Working Group (QWG) meetings. The QWG includes a group of experts from university, research centres, industry, Copernicus services, that provide recommendations on instrument calibration, product validation and evolution
• Contribute to writing of scientific papers and technical reports and preparation of scientific presentations at international conferences/ workshops
• Support the documents review of new atmospheric missions within the European Earth Watch Programme

Profile

• University degree, or equivalent, in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or Mathematics
• Good knowledge of retrieval algorithms and their implementation
• Good knowledge of methods for quality control and calibration/ validation of satellite-based atmospheric products
• Good knowledge of atmospheric dynamics and physics
• Experience in handling and analysing Earth Observation (EO) data, preferably in the atmospheric domain
• Experience in scientific publication and reporting, including oral presentations
• Good oral and written communication
• Fluent in English
• Ability to work autonomously, with minimal supervision
• Ability to plan and report activities, while meeting deadlines
• Availability to travel to attend meetings

Nice to have:

• Experience with past or current Atmospheric Earth Observation Satellite mission data
• Experience in the field of atmospheric physics and remote sensing
• Experience in Calibration/ Validation projects or activities
• Knowledge of Copernicus programme
• Experience in atmospheric dynamics and chemistry modelling

What we offer:

Within Serco we believe there is a place here for everyone. Diversity & Inclusion at Serco is based on a culture where every voice is heard, and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make a difference in our world. We are enthusiastic and passionate about our work which is infectious. We allow our employees to take responsibility for their work and promote a positive working culture.

• An exciting, inspiring, international, and ambitious working environment
• Training and development opportunities
• Career progression
• Highly competitive salaries considering your skills and personal value to the company
• Summer and Christmas parties

We will give you the platform and guidance to progress your career quickly whilst rewarding you at the same time.