At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform satellite data into impactful Earth Observation products and design processing chains.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible for real-world solutions.
- Benefits: Work in a diverse team with global customers and cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Flexible locations across Europe and Argentina with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by turning satellite data into actionable insights for positive change.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of remote sensing, Python proficiency, and understanding of geospatial data.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
Working in our Data Division, our Data division transforms satellite data into meaningful insights that drive real-world impact. The team delivers all data products generated by Open Cosmos and its partners, curates and develops DataCosmos — our geospatial data platform — and builds integrations that make satellite imagery easy to access and act on. Their work helps organisations turn data into action and create positive change on Earth.
As a Satellite Payload Processing Engineer, you’ll design and build the processing chains that transform raw satellite data into high-quality, analysis-ready Earth Observation products. You’ll combine remote sensing expertise, software engineering and system integration to ensure Open Cosmos delivers reliable data at scale across multiple missions and payloads — enabling customer value and advancing our EO data platform.
What will you be doing?
- Defining EO product specifications in collaboration with customers, sales teams and mission engineers, ensuring products meet user needs and mission objectives.
- Translating customer data requirements into clear technical processing specifications for EO missions and data products.
- Contributing to payload definition and selection for next-generation EO missions, ensuring downstream data usability and performance.
- Designing and developing image processing pipelines, from raw data ingestion through to delivery of calibrated, orthorectified and analysis-ready products.
- Implementing and maintaining image processing algorithms, including band-to-band registration, georeferencing and orthorectification, radiometric and atmospheric correction, cloud detection and masking, classification and derived products.
- Integrating processing workflows into scalable, automated data processing systems and orchestration platforms.
- Acting as a technical interface between data processing, sales and system engineering teams, supporting feasibility assessments, proposals and effort estimation.
- Continuously improving processing chains by evaluating new tools, algorithms and techniques to enhance quality, performance and efficiency.
- Supporting multi-payload and multi-sensor operations, adapting pipelines for diverse satellite platforms and data sources.
- Contributing to payload characterisation, calibration and validation (Cal/Val) activities to ensure data accuracy and product quality.
What You’ll bring
- Strong grounding in remote sensing principles and optical Earth Observation (EO) image processing.
- Understanding of satellite payload processing concepts and algorithmic approaches.
- Proficiency in Python and familiarity with geospatial processing libraries (e.g. GDAL, rasterio, numpy, Xarray).
- Knowledge of geospatial data structures, formats, coordinate systems and projections.
- Understanding of data processing pipelines, automation concepts and workflow orchestration approaches.
- Awareness of calibration and validation (Cal/Val) principles for EO data quality.
This role can be based in Oxford (UK), Barcelona (Spain), Tenerife, Porto (Portugal), Athens (Greece), or Argentina. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. When applying, please submit your CV in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
- A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
Satellite Payload Processing Engineer in Didcot employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer for those passionate about space technology, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines while tackling real-world challenges through cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Join a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to making space accessible, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture that values respect and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Satellite Payload Processing Engineer in Didcot
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Open Cosmos for a Satellite Payload Processing Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Satellite Payload Processing Engineer in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Open Cosmos, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Open Cosmos.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Open Cosmos. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Open Cosmos love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.