SatCen/2026/019 - Imagery Analyst OPEN Deadline: 26/11/2026 11:00 (Local Time Europe/Madrid)

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ReferenceSatCen/2026/019

Vacancy titleImagery Analyst

Type of contractTEMPORARY

Duration of contract4 years

Work UnitOperations Division

Reporting toHead of Operations

GradeB4

Grade Range (Low)B3

Grade Range (High)B6

Basic SalaryBetween 4 187.78 € at step 1 in grade B4, and 4 463.98 € at step 3 in grade B4. The final grading upon recruitment depends on the relevant work experience.This basic salary will be supplemented, where applicable, by various allowances (see point 7 below).

Place of EmploymentTorrejón de Ardoz, Madrid (Spain)

THE EUROPEAN UNION SATELLITE CENTRE

The European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) supports the decision making and actions of the European Union in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), in particular the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) — including EU crisis management missions and operations — by providing products and services derived from the exploitation of relevant space assets and collateral data, including satellite and aerial imagery, and related services.

SatCen is a decentralised agency of the European Union working under the supervision of the Political and Security Committee and the operational direction of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Centre was founded in 1992 as a Western European Union body and was incorporated as an EU agency on 1 January 2002. Its seat is in Torrejón de Ardoz, in the vicinity of Madrid, Spain.

SatCen offers challenging and rewarding careers to enthusiastic, motivated and highly skilled professionals who want to work in an international, multicultural environment and contribute to the Centre's mission. For more information, please visit our website: www.satcen.europa.eu

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The SatCen is seeking suitable candidates to cover three positions of Image Analyst within Operations Division and to establish a reserve list. The Image Analyst will be responsible, amongst others, for the following duties:

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leader Support: Assist the Team Leader with tasks related to imagery analysis projects, including planning and execution of assigned tasks.

• Image Analysis and Data Processing: Perform basic imagery analysis and process satellite, aerial and geospatial data to create IMINT/GEOINT products. Follow established procedures and standards.

• System and Software Use: Enhance expertise in the use of imagery analysis tools and software to facilitate data processing and product execution.

• Geospatial Data Maintenance: Help update and maintain geospatial databases, ensuring data is accurate and available for analysis.

• Automation and Process Support: Assist in the development and implementation of automation rules and workflows to improve efficiency in the analysis process.

• Collaboration and Learning: Work closely with more experienced analysts, assisting them with tasks and learning from their expertise. Participate in team activities and contribute to projects as required.

• Training and Briefings: Attend training sessions and assist in preparing reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.

• Additional Duties: Assist with other tasks and projects as required, based on team priorities, and follow instructions from senior analysts.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered eligible, candidates must satisfy all of the following criteria by the closing date for applications:

  • Have a level of education corresponding to completed secondary education attested by a diploma, giving access to higher education;
  • Be a national of one of the Member States of the Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen;
  • Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws concerning military service;
  • Produce evidence of a thorough knowledge of English (minimum level B2)4, the working language of SatCen, and a satisfactory knowledge (minimum level B2) of another official EU language to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties;
  • Have no personal interest, financial or otherwise, that could conflict with the disinterested performance of the duties;
  • Hold, or be in a position to obtain, a security clearance at least at the level of EU SECRET or equivalent. If the successful candidate does not hold such clearance at the time of application, SatCen will initiate the request; no appointment will be confirmed until the clearance is received from the competent national authority. Candidates must declare, during the procedure, any circumstances that could conflict with the performance of their duties at SatCen;
  • Be physically fit to perform their duties. Prior to appointment, the successful candidate will undergo a medical examination in line with Article 6 of the SatCen Staff Regulations;
  • Be aware that, as SatCen is situated on an air force base outside Madrid with limited public transport to the entrance and none within the base itself, a driving licence is highly desirable — staff members are responsible for their own means of reaching the office.

4 According to the Common European Framework of References for Languages

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only applications meeting all eligibility and essential selection criteria will be assessed. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the information provided in the Application Form against the following criteria:

Qualifications and experience:

Essential:

  • Level of education: Completed secondary education attested by a diploma, giving access to higher education.
  • Experience: one year of professional experience in imagery analysis, GIS or remote sensing.

Desirable:

  • Experience and Education: Any Experience, studies or certifications in geospatial intelligence, remote sensing, or IMINT.
Skills and competencies:

Essential:

  • Imagery Analysis Fundamentals: Basic understanding of imagery interpretation and analysis using satellite, aerial and geospatial data to produce IMINT/GEOINT products.
  • Data Processing and Integration: Ability to support the processing and integration of geospatial and imagery data, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Software Proficiency: Familiarity with imagery analysis and GIS tools, such as ArcGIS, ENVI or similar, with a willingness to learn and develop technical expertise.
  • Technical and Analytical Skills: Strong attention to detail, ability to recognise patterns and apply structured analytical approach to problem-solving.
  • Report Writing and Communication: Ability to contribute and produce clear, concise and actionable intelligence reports.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team, supporting senior analysts and contributing to group projects.
  • Work Ethics and Reliability: Demonstrate responsibility, accountability and a strong commitment to delivering quality work within deadlines.
  • Commitment to Learning and Development: Actively seek opportunities to enhance expertise in imagery analysis and geospatial technologies through training sessions and continuous skill development.

Desirable:

  • Geospatial and Imagery Standards: Basic knowledge of industry standards and methodologies, applicable to IMINT/GEOINT analysis (e.g. MGCP, STANAG 3596, AIntP-21).
  • Programming and Automation: Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python) and geospatial libraries/tools (e.g., GDAL, ArcPy), as well as advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence or machine learning applied to imagery analysis.
  • Geospatial Data Handling: Ability to assist in updating and maintaining geospatial databases, ensuring data is properly structured and accessible for analysis.
  • SatCen Procedures: Knowledge of SatCen Operations Division methodologies, procedures and workflows.

All essential and desirable criteria are evaluated in order to identify the most suitable candidates. Candidates are encouraged to be as detailed and specific as possible when describing their professional experience and competencies, providing concrete examples wherever relevant.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The closing date for application is 26/11/2026 11:00 (please check for eventual time zone differences). The SatCen will disregard any application sent after the deadline.

Candidates are asked to carefully check that they meet all eligibility criteria — particularly as regards required diplomas and professional experience — before submitting an application.

  • Applications must be submitted in English, using the SatCen e-recruitment platform. No application will be accepted through any other channel (e-mail or post);
  • Part-time work is taken into account pro rata to the percentage of full-time hours worked; candidates must indicate this percentage. PhD studies may count as professional experience (maximum three years) where a study grant or salary was received, and the PhD was successfully completed by the closing date;
  • Supporting documents (certified copies of diplomas, references, proof of experience, etc.) should not be submitted at this stage, but only later upon SatCen's request;
  • By submitting an application, candidates agree that SatCen may contact their previous employers, as well as any references provided, in order to verify the information submitted and assess their suitability for the post.
  • Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last day to submit their application, since heavy internet traffic or connectivity issues could prevent submission. SatCen cannot be held responsible for such delays;
  • SatCen does not accept applications, in whole or in part, drafted with generative AI tools without substantive personal input; candidates must ensure their application genuinely reflects their own profile and experience;
  • Given the expected volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

SatCen applies a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or disrespectful or sexist behaviour. SatCen is an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified candidates, without distinction as to nationality, age, race, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, disability, political, philosophical or religious conviction, gender or sexual orientation, marital status or family situation.

SatCen recruitment is a competitive, merit-based process. In line with its commitment to improving gender and geographical balance among its staff, female candidates and candidates from currently under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply. Recruitment nonetheless remains strictly based on merit, and no advantage is given nor are positions reserved for nationals of any specific Member State.

Candidates with a disability or medical condition that may affect their ability to sit the test or interview are invited to indicate this in their application, together with any special arrangements required.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

All applicants automatically receive an acknowledgment of receipt. The selection procedure typically includes the following steps:

  • Eligibility check against the criteria set out in Section 4;
  • Comparative assessment of eligible applications against the selection criteria in Section 5 by the Selection Board;
  • Shortlisting of the best-matching candidates for a written test and/or interview, conducted in English;
  • Recommendation by the Selection Board of the most suitable candidate(s) to the Director, who takes the final decision;
  • Placement of suitable candidates on a reserve list, valid for at least one year (renewable), which may also be used to fill similar posts. Placement on the reserve list does not guarantee an offer of employment.

All applications are treated fairly and assessed in strict compliance with the principle of equal opportunities, aiming for the best possible match between candidate profiles and job requirements. Under no circumstances should candidates contact the Selection Board, directly or indirectly, regarding this procedure; doing so may lead to disqualification.

CONTRACT AND REMUNERATION

The successful candidate(s) may be offered a contract as a TEMPORARY staff member under the SatCen Staff Regulations, for an initial period of 4 years, renewable. On entry into service, the candidate will be placed in grade B4, step 1, 2 or 3 depending on relevant professional experience. Basic monthly salaries for the different grades and steps of the Coordinated Organisations salary scale are published on the SatCen website.

In addition to the basic monthly salary, the following may apply depending on personal circumstances:

  • Expatriation allowance (up to 18% of basic salary), household allowance, dependent child allowance, education allowance, installation allowance;
  • Flexible work arrangements (part-time work, flexible hours, teleworking) under certain conditions;
  • Training and professional development opportunities;
  • 30 working days of annual leave, plus home leave where applicable;
  • Maternity/paternity and parental leave under certain conditions;
  • Private medical insurance providing worldwide coverage;
  • Defined-benefit pension scheme, with entitlement to a retirement pension after 10 years of service.

Salaries are subject to an internal Community tax deducted at source and are exempt of national income taxation.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.