System and Instrument Functional Chain Engineer [26187]

Sopra Steria; Darmstadt; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

CS GROUP is seeking a System and Instrument Functional Chain Engineer to work on-site in Darmstadt, Germany, supporting EUMETSAT-related work. You will coordinate IFCT activities, participate in reviews, and help validate instrument data processing across international partners.

The role requires a degree in aerospace/physics/systems engineering/computer science and 8+ years of experience in system engineering or space instrument processing, with strong Python/Java/Perl skills and ECSS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in aerospace, physics, systems engineering, or computer science.
• 8+ years in system engineering or instrument data processing for space systems.
• Experience with space-borne instruments and data processing chains.
• Proficiency in Python/Java/Perl and data analysis tools.
• Experience with requirements-based engineering and ECSS standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Instrument Functional Chain Team (IFCT) activities and reporting.
• Participate in technical reviews, meetings, and cross-stakeholder coordination.
• Review instrument data processing documentation and provide recommendations.
• Support IVV activities and deployment of processing systems.
• Develop tools for testing, data processing, and validation; maintain test datasets.

Skills

Python

Java

Perl

Data analysis

Visualization tools

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

University degree in Aerospace Engineering

Physics

Systems Engineering

Computer Science

Tools

DOORS

Job description

System and Instrument Functional Chain Engineer [26187]

• Full-time

CS GROUP, together with HE Space and Sopra Steria, has been successfully providing digital end-to-end systems and engineering services for more than 40 years. With over 2000 employees worldwide, we combine advanced and unique skills in both information technology and space data engineering. We combine entrepreneurial agility with cutting-edge technological expertise. CS GROUP is a leading provider of operational systems and an important and trusted long-term partner for space and defence organisations.
At CS GROUP, we are driven by innovation and we value our most important asset: our people.

As a member of a team providing services to EUMETSAT, you will have the following responsibilities:

• Coordinate Instrument Functional Chain Team (IFCT) activities, including action tracking, issue management, meeting organization, technical documentation, and reporting;
• Participate in technical reviews, engineering meetings, and coordination activities across multiple stakeholders;
• Review satellite, instrument, and processing documentation and provide engineering recommendations;
• Support system-level reviews, change management activities, and project milestones;
• Contribute to calibration and validation preparation activities and operational readiness exercises.
• Support the verification and validation of instrument data processing systems;
• Review, assess, and support the deployment of Instrument Data Simulators (IDS) and Ground Processor Prototypes (GPP);
• Participate in technical reviews and engineering discussions with international partners and contractors;
• Support integration, verification, and validation (IVV) activities for system and instrument processing chains.

Engineering Tools & Software Development

• Develop and maintain engineering tools supporting testing, data processing, analysis, and validation activities;
• Generate, maintain, and validate test datasets and test environments;
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, requirements, interface specifications, verification documentation, and test procedures;
• Support configuration management and change control activities.

Calibration, Validation & Operational Support

• Support the generation and delivery of end-to-end test data products;
• Contribute to calibration and validation activities for Earth Observation instruments and processing facilities;
• Assist with the deployment, installation, verification, and operation of processing systems and local processors;
• Support the development of operational concepts and processing capabilities throughout the project lifecycle.

Mandatory skills

• University degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline;
• Minimum of 8 years' professional experience in System Engineering or instrument data processing for complex space systems;
• Proven experience in engineering space and/or ground systems for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite missions, including end-to-end data acquisition and processing;
• Experience in the development of test datasets, test tools, or instrument data processor prototypes.
• Experience in the verification and validation of instrument data processing systems;
• Strong knowledge of space-borne observation instruments and associated processing chains;
• Experience supporting algorithm processing specifications, associated test data preparation, and baseline maintenance;
• Strong knowledge of EPS-SG instruments, Instrument Source Packets, and Level-1 processing concepts;
• Good understanding of EPS-SG processing algorithms and specifications;
• Familiarity with system change control and configuration management processes;
• Strong programming and scripting skills using Python, Java, Perl, or similar languages;
• Experience using data analysis and visualization software tools;
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills;
• Ability to work effectively within international and multidisciplinary teams.

The following qualifications would be considered advantageous

• Knowledge of EPS-SG product content and product specifications;
• Knowledge of EPS-SG system architecture and operational processor design;
• Experience specifying operational products for Earth Observation missions;
• Experience with requirements-based engineering, development, and verification activities following ECSS standards;
• Experience working with requirements management tools such as DOORS.

This job is located in Darmstadt, Germany, and will be executed on-site at our customer’s premises (EUMETSAT).

An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!

Please note: Due to work permit requirements for this position, please apply only if you are citizen of a European Union state or if you are eligible to obtain a work permit for Germany.

Inclusive and committed employer, our company works every day to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a respectful working environment. That's why, committed to gender diversity and overall inclusivity, we encourage all applications and profiles.

Last apply date: 30/11/2026!