Data Quality Manager for Atmospheric Sensors Job Requisition ID:19782 Date Posted:4 September 2025 Closing Date:25 September 2025 23:59 CET/CEST Publication:Internal & External Type of Contract:Permanent Directorate:Earth Observation Programmes Workplace:Frascati, IT Grade Band:A2 - A4 Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy Description Data Quality and Cal/Val Manager for Atmospheric Sensor Missions in the Sensor Performance, Products and Algorithms Section, Earth Observation Mission Management and Product Quality Division, EO Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.You will contribute to the overall quality of the sensor data products provided by ESA in the atmospheric domain, with initial emphasis on the products of the Earth Explorer EarthCARE mission. You will also provide product quality and cal/val support for the other EO atmospheric missions and data provided by ESA, in relation to Aeolus and FORUM for example, specifically relating to challenges in calibration and validation for climate domains.Duties Your tasks and responsibilities will include: - supporting the operation of EarthCARE ground segment data processing, calibration, validation and quality control facilities; - managing the end-to-end data quality process of EarthCARE mission products during the exploitation phase, and phase F, including product and processing scenario definition, algorithm definition and evolution for Level 1 and Level 2 products, the calibration and the geophysical validation concept definition and evolution during the exploitation phases and phase F; - managing the industrial contracts relating to EarthCARE and Aeolus data quality, algorithm evolution and cal/val activities and, in particular, defining, implementing and managing the EarthCARE DISC (Data Innovation and Science Cluster); - proposing innovation in the area of EO product algorithm development, calibration and validation through a collaborative framework with remote sensing scientists, aiming to introduce greater flexibility in ESA services to EO users; this includes, in particular, supporting the definition and development of a mission algorithm and analysis platform tailored for EarthCARE mission users; - supporting the development of FORUM ground segment data processing, calibration, validation and quality control facilities; - continuously assessing evolving user requirements regarding ESA EO atmospheric composition missions in terms of data quality, calibration and validation, exploring potential synergies with ESA EO missions; - fostering the ESA strategy and innovation in terms of the algorithm, calibration and validation of ESA EO atmospheric data products, including the development and operation of related fiducial reference measurements (FRM); - supporting the mission managers with communication activities, contributing to the preparation of presentations and reports; publication of papers in peer-reviewed journals is strongly encouraged. Technical competencies Knowledge of scientific disciplines, in particular in the atmospheric, calibration/validation and radiative transfer model domains, with state-of-the-art knowledge in your area of responsibility at the required levelExperience in managing scientific or technical teams, preferably in an international contextSolid understanding of the objectives and challenges of the EarthCARE and FORUM missionsSound knowledge of ESA Earth Observation programmesBehavioural competencies Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward ThinkingFor more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.Education A master’s degree or PhD in physics, engineering or Earth sciences, with particular emphasis on data-processing algorithms, calibration and validation applied to EO missions is required for this post.Additional requirements You should demonstrate a track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.Diversity, Equity and InclusivenessImportant Information and Disclaimer Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position. - The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. Nationality and Languages The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset. - Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ »