Space Data & AI Lead

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS); Kuwait City; On-site; KWD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuwait National Space Research Centre (KNSRC), a department within KFAS, seeks a senior data science leader to develop and maintain big-data pipelines for satellite data and related datasets. The role emphasizes scalable analytics platforms, AI/ML model development, and data-driven decision making across research and operations.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 6 years of experience, with fluency in English and Arabic.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field (with recognition by the relevant Ministry of Higher Education).
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the same or related field.
• Proficient in English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of big-data pipelines for processing satellite data, sensor outputs, atmospheric measurements, mission telemetry, and other scientific datasets.
• Oversee the design, enhancement, and effective use of scalable analytics platforms and data architectures aligned with KNSRC’s technological and operational requirements.
• Ensure data pipelines, storage environments, integration mechanisms, and processing frameworks support reliability, accessibility, security, and long-term sustainability.
• Guide the optimization of compute resources, data workflows, and platform performance to improve operational efficiency and research effectiveness.
• Lead the development and application of AI, machine learning, and advanced analytical models to support research in space physics, Earth observation, climatology, and space-weather forecasting.
• Oversee the development of computational tools, algorithms, and automated analytical methods that support KNSRC’s scientific and operational activities.
• Guide the use of predictive and analytical models to strengthen scientific interpretation, forecasting capability, and data-driven decision‑making.
• Provide data analytics frameworks, computational tools, and technical support for researchers, graduate students, and KNSRC scientific teams.
• Support the use of processed data, analytical environments, and model‑driven insights in research, scientific studies, and operational activities.
• Oversee support for mission planning, telemetry analysis, payload‑related assessment, and instrument calibration through simulation environments, automated data processing, and AI‑assisted analysis, as applicable.
• Guide the development of dashboards, visualizations, public‑facing products, and educational datasets that enhance scientific communication and national awareness of Kuwait’s space capabilities.
• Oversee data integration, validation, and quality control activities to ensure clean, reliable, and usable datasets for scientific and operational use.
• Guide the application of data standards, validation checks, and technical controls across data pipelines, platforms, and analytical outputs.
• Coordinate with relevant internal stakeholders to align data, analytics, and AI activities with research, mission, educational, and organizational needs.
• Establish and maintain collaboration with academic institutions, international research institutions, space agencies, data providers, technology providers, cloud platforms, and relevant private‑sector AI / data firms to support data access, algorithm development, and joint technical initiatives.
• Support joint modeling, analytics, data‑sharing, and technical cooperation activities with relevant partners, as applicable.

Skills

Big-data pipelines

AI/ML models

Data analytics

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Data Science / CS / AI/ML / Software Engineering / IS

Job description

Kuwait National Space Research Centre (KNSRC), a department within KFAS, seeks a senior data science leader to develop and maintain big-data pipelines for satellite data and related datasets. The role emphasizes scalable analytics platforms, AI/ML model development, and data-driven decision making across research and operations.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 6 years of experience, with fluency in English and Arabic.