Ground Segment Engineering and Architectures

Ground Segment Engineer – Ground Segment Engineering and Architectures

Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering high‑tech solutions for the space industry. We are looking for a Ground Segment Engineer to join our joint venture with Leonardo.

CANDIDATES THAT WOULD IMPRESS US

• Education: Master’s degree in Engineering (Electronics, Aeronautical/Space Engineering, Computer Science, etc.) or equivalent.
• Working heritage on earth observation ground segment systems.
• Knowledge:
  • System engineering processes for requirements and solution design management.
  • EO mission programming schemes (user request management and mission planning) and typical mission constraints.
  • Control segment main functions (flight dynamics, spacecraft control).
  • Ground Stations (S‑Band, X‑Band) main functions.
  • Production management main functions (SAR processing orchestration).
  • Radar principles.
• Knowledge of optical principles, optical mission planning, and image processing is welcome.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence, Big Data, and deep learning techniques.
• Experience in programming languages (Python / C++).
• Knowledge of microservices SW design, DevOps methodology and cloud technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
• Fluent English, spoken and written.
• Team‑working attitude.
• Proactive attitude to problem solving and interest in innovative technologies.
• Availability to travel.

Main Role (Ground Segment Engineering and Architectures)

• Analyze input documentation at system level (e.g., system/product/space‑to‑ground interface requirements, system operational concept, system architecture).
• Define requirements at Ground Segment and subsystem level, ensuring proper flow‑down and traceability; maintain the requirements baseline (through DOORS, Polarion).
• Analyse and trade‑offs among different design solutions, particularly for large satellite constellations in a multi‑mission environment.
• Define overall GS architecture and building blocks, and relevant external/internal interfaces.
• Develop Mission Planning components and ground segment mission‑specific elements for different EO missions, including architectural design, algorithms prototyping and testing activities.
• Contribute to GS data budget analysis for GS sizing.
• Contribute to the consolidation of the Ground Segment Baseline documentation (ADD, ICD, requirements baseline, DVCM).
• Support Ground Segment integration and verification activities at different levels.
• Contribute to the definition of innovative Ground Segment solutions to improve GS products competitiveness.
• Participate in technical meetings (internal and with customer).

Your Career at Thales

Future opportunities will allow you to discover other domains or sites, develop your competencies, and choose between a technical expert or a leadership path. You’ll build an international career within a leading engineering group and can move across our 10 countries and 17 sites.

We are located in Rome, Latium, Italy. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing with us.