Description

Meteorological Operational Second Generation (MetOp-SG) is a collaborative programme together with EUMETSAT for six low-Earth-orbiting meteorological satellites. The programme covers two series of satellites with three satellites in each series. The satellite-A series carries visible/infrared imagers, infrared/microwave sounders, a radio occultation sounder and the Sentinel-5 instrument. The satellite-B series carries microwave imagers, an active C-band scatterometer, a radio occultation sounder and a data collection payload. The first satellite-A and satellite-B launches are planned in 2025.

You will report to the MetOp-SG Payload Manager and will be responsible for all aspects of the multi-viewing, multi-channel, multi-polarisation imager (3MI) instrument design, development, testing, performance and in-orbit activities under the MetOp-SG programme.

Duties

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

• managing and monitoring all aspects of the instrument specification, design, implementation and testing, ensuring full compliance is maintained and demonstrated with the system-level technical and programmatic requirements;
• monitoring industrial progress and design evolution at instrument and equipment level, ensuring they remain consistent with MetOp-SG technical and programmatic requirements;
• complete delivery and acceptance of the remaining instrument flight models;
• providing early warning of potential problem areas and ensuring appropriate mitigation actions are identified and implemented;
• ensuring the operability of the instrument is fully compatible with the overall MetOp-SG satellite operations, observability and availability requirements;
• coordinating specialist support as necessary;
• monitoring the definition and execution of instrument calibration, ensuring availability of key data for processing;
• preparing for the recurrent instruments’ long-term storage as well as the necessary recalibration;
• ensuring timely availability of inputs for on-ground characterisation and in-orbit commissioning campaigns;
• participating in instrument and satellite project reviews, coordinating all aspects relating to the instrument;
• monitoring the development of level 1 processing algorithms for data from the instrument and associated ground processor prototype;
• monitoring the development of performance assessment tools, including instrument simulators and models in industry or internally, and analysing impacts on the mission performance resulting from deviations during the development of the instrument or of the system;
• interfacing and coordinating with the Science Team and user groups in conjunction with EUMETSAT;
• supporting the satellite AIV activities, the preparation of the launch campaign and the in-orbit commissioning of the instrument;
• reporting regularly on progress, issues, risks and schedule to the MetOp-SG Payload Manager;
• supporting the radio occultation instrument activities including ground processing and performances.
   

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in an engineering field or a related subject is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Previous experience working on a multi-agency, cooperative programme is an advantage. Furthermore, candidates should have:

• solid hands-on experience in instrument development;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills; 
• strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively;
• good oral, written and presentational communication skills.