Lead, Earth Observation Platforms for Security & Defense

VITO Research; Belgique; Hybride; EUR 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Flexible work arrangements

Training opportunities

Satellite offices

Work-life balance

Résumé du poste

VITO Research is seeking a Project Lead to guide the delivery of Earth Observation platform capabilities for security, defense and resilience applications. You will translate stakeholder needs into secure, scalable platform services and shape a roadmap for dual-use EO data, analytics and decision-ready information.

You will work with researchers, IT architects and software engineers to lead projects from proposal to delivery, coordinating partners and shaping robust consortia across Europe.

Qualifications

• Master's or doctoral degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Geomatics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated track record in working with Earth Observation data and services, including practical experience with mission processing, analytics and derived applications for civil, security or defense use cases.
• Proven experience in writing and coordinating successful project proposals for the ESA, Horizon Europe, the European Defense Fund, or comparable programs.
• Demonstrated experience in managing international consortia, including partner coordination, work package management, and conflict resolution.
• Proven track record in managing digital platforms, data ecosystems, or cloud-based services.
• Technical affinity with VHR data, openEO, STAC, cloud-native geospatial tools and GEO-AI components is a strong asset.
• Understanding of ISR, GEOINT concepts is an asset.
• Strong presentation skills with varied stakeholders across levels.
• Fluency in English; Dutch/French are a strong asset.
• At least five years of project management in EO/space/digital platforms/security/defense.
• Self-motivated in fast-changing environments.
• Eligibility to obtain a national security clearance may be required.

Responsabilités

• Co-define the technical innovation strategy for Earth Observation platforms for security, defense and resilience, including the ground segment of the European Resilience from Space program.
• Identify opportunities to integrate Copernicus, commercial and government data into secure, operational workflows for situational awareness.
• Lead proposals for ESA, Horizon Europe, and European Defense Fund and coordinate international consortia across Europe.
• Negotiate consortium agreements, define work packages, and allocate resources with security/export controls in mind.
• Maintain partnerships with European/Belgian research institutions, space agencies, defense organizations and industry partners.
• Engage with Belgian Defense, ESA, EC, EU Satellite Centre and NATO-related bodies to position VITO capabilities.
• Lead end-to-end implementation of technical solutions across multiple concurrent projects, including sensitive information.
• Coordinate activities with ESA project officers, Horizon Europe, European Defense Fund staff, NATO DIANA, and partners.
• Manage budgets in line with ESA/EC/EDF regulations and security reporting.
• Prepare reviews, progress reports and documentation for programs with controlled information where relevant.
• Act as the main liaison between technical teams, management and external partners, maintaining confidentiality.

Connaissances

Presentation skills

Stakeholder management

English fluency

Self-motivation

Team collaboration

Formation

Master's or Doctoral degree in Engineering/CS/Earth Sciences/Geomatics

Outils

OpenEO

STAC

Cloud-native geospatial tools

GEO-AI components

VHR data

Description du poste

VITO Research is seeking a Project Lead to guide the delivery of Earth Observation platform capabilities for security, defense and resilience applications. You will translate stakeholder needs into secure, scalable platform services and shape a roadmap for dual-use EO data, analytics and decision-ready information.

You will work with researchers, IT architects and software engineers to lead projects from proposal to delivery, coordinating partners and shaping robust consortia across Europe.