Earth Observation Data Science Specialist

Planetek Italia; Puglia; Hybrid; EUR 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers

Wellhub access for fitness and well‑be

Serenis access

Job summary

Planetek Italia in Bari is seeking an eo Data Science Specialist to develop algorithms and AI-based solutions transforming satellite data into actionable geospatial products.

You will work with engineers and researchers, applying ML, deep learning, and data analytics to environmental monitoring and other domains, with a flexible hybrid model and opportunities to contribute to proposals.

Qualifications

• MSc or equivalent qualification in a related field with practical experience in Deep Learning and Earth Observation.
• Experience in scientific software development and data analysis workflows.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Earth Observation data from optical and radar sensors to address environmental and geospatial challenges.
• Design and optimize data processing algorithms and workflows for satellite data.
• Apply ML and AI techniques to EO applications, including model development and evaluation.
• Develop and validate rapid prototypes translating research into operational geospatial products.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define requirements and integrate solutions.

Skills

Python programming

Deep Learning

PyTorch or TensorFlow

Earth Observation data

Mathematics/Physics

Image processing

NumPy

SciPy

pandas

scikit-learn

GDAL

Rasterio

GeoPandas

Education

MSc in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Earth Sciences or related field

Tools

Git

Linux

Docker

GPU computing

Job description

About Planetek Italia

Planetek Italia is an Italian Benefit Company established in 1994, bringing together more than 140 professionals with expertise in Geoinformatics, Space solutions and Earth science.

We develop technologies and solutions that transform geospatial data into valuable information, supporting decision-making across environmental monitoring, smart cities, agriculture, defence and security, satellite missions and space exploration.

Our expertise spans Earth Observation data processing and analytics, Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI), satellite software, ground segment systems and cloud-based geospatial services. Among our flagship innovations is Rheticus®, our platform providing continuous geospatial monitoring services to public and private organisations.

Planetek Italia is part of the D-Orbit Group, an international Space group combining complementary technologies and expertise across the Space value chain. This creates opportunities to work on ambitious national and international projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and contributing to innovative solutions.

We believe in combining technological excellence with curiosity, collaboration and a strong sense of responsibility, developing solutions that help organisations better understand our world and contribute to a more sustainable and secure future.

Your Responsibilities As “eo Data Science Specialist”

You will contribute to Earth Observation and Data Science projects, developing algorithms and AI-based solutions that transform satellite data into valuable information and operational geospatial products.

Working alongside engineers, researchers and domain experts, you will have the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, experiment with innovative approaches and contribute to projects addressing environmental and geospatial challenges.

In this role, you will analyze scientific and satellite payload data, contributing to the design and development of processing algorithms that transform raw data into analysis-ready datasets and, ultimately, into value-added products and services.

In this role, you will:

• Analyze and process Earth Observation data from satellite sensors, including optical and radar imagery.
• Design, develop and optimize data processing algorithms and workflows to transform raw satellite data into meaningful information.
• Apply machine learning, artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics techniques to Earth Observation applications.
• Develop and test innovative solutions through rapid prototyping, experimentation and performance evaluation.
• Contribute to the development of value-added geospatial products and services for environmental monitoring and other application domains.
• Analyze and process Earth Observation data from optical and radar satellite sensors to address environmental and geospatial challenges.
• Design, implement and optimize algorithms and software pipelines for satellite data processing, applying strong programming skills and a solid understanding of mathematical and physical principles.
• Develop, train and evaluate Deep Learning models for Earth Observation applications, including image classification, object detection, semantic segmentation and change detection.
• Explore and adapt state-of-the-art AI methods, including Geospatial Foundation Models, assessing their accuracy, generalization capabilities and computational efficiency.
• Develop and validate innovative solutions through rapid prototyping, experimentation and rigorous performance evaluation, translating research outcomes into operational geospatial products and services.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, research institutions and technology partners to define technical requirements, solve complex problems and integrate solutions into broader processing workflows.
• Support the preparation of technical proposals and tender submissions, including ESA proposals, by contributing to the state-of-the-art review, technical approach, methodology, work plan and validation strategy.

Your Background and Expertise

You have an MSc or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Earth Sciences or a related field, along with practical experience in Deep Learning, Earth Observation and scientific software development.

We are looking for someone with

• Strong Python programming skills, including the ability to develop, test and maintain reliable scientific software.
• Practical experience in designing, training and evaluating Deep Learning models using frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Experience working with Earth Observation data and a sound understanding of remote sensing principles, including optical and radar imagery.
• A solid foundation in mathematics and physics, particularly linear algebra, probability, statistics, numerical methods and optimization.
• Experience in image processing and the development of algorithms for analysing complex spatial and temporal datasets.
• Familiarity with scientific and geospatial libraries, such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, scikit-learn, GDAL, Rasterio and GeoPandas.
• A rigorous approach to experimentation and validation, including the ability to assess model performance and interpret results critically.
• Good written and spoken English and Italian, with the ability to communicate technical concepts and contribute to technical documentation and proposals.

The following skills would be an advantage

• Experience applying Deep Learning to Earth Observation tasks such as land-cover mapping, object detection, semantic segmentation or change detection.
• Familiarity with Geospatial Foundation Models, transfer learning and methods for adapting models across sensors, regions or acquisition periods.
• Experience with satellite time series, multispectral imagery or SAR data processing.
• Familiarity with Git, Linux, Docker and reproducible development workflows.
• Experience processing large geospatial datasets using GPU computing, parallel processing or cloud environments.
• Experience deploying and integrating AI models into operational processing pipelines.
• Previous contributions to technical proposals or tender submissions, particularly for ESA or other research and innovation programmes.

Beyond technical skills, we value curiosity, initiative, analytical thinking and the ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of your activities. We are looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, exploring new ideas and turning research into practical solutions.

Why Planetek

At Planetek Italia, we believe that results matter more than hours and that people come before skills. Passion, accountability, collaboration and professionalism shape the way we work.

You will join an environment where curiosity and initiative are encouraged, knowledge is shared and responsibility grows with experience. You will work alongside highly specialised professionals and contribute to projects at the intersection of science, technology and real-world applications.

We value and respect differences, recognising that diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences lead to better ideas, decisions and results. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone is respected, valued and free to contribute.

What we offer

We offer

• A gross annual base salary between €30.000 and €35.000, depending on experience and skills.
• A performance-based variable component.
• Meal vouchers.
• Access to Wellhub for fitness, wellness and wellbeing services.
• Access to Serenis, including unlimited individual psychotherapy, nutrition and coaching sessions.
• Professional development opportunities through training, books, workshops, conferences and participation in national and international projects.

Final compensation will reflect the candidate's experience, skills and responsibilities, ensuring consistency with comparable positions within the company.

Working Model

The position is based in Bari and follows our flexible hybrid working model, with up to 80% remote work. An initial period at our Bari office is expected to support onboarding and integration with the team.

Availability for customer meetings, events and business travel in Italy and abroad is required.

Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Italy.

We genuinely appreciate every application, even when there is no match for the current opportunity.

We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process and appreciate your patience as we carefully evaluate applications.

The exact process may vary depending on the role.

We look forward to getting to know you and discovering what we could build together.