Research Software Engineer

To strengthen VITO’s Environmental Intelligence unit, we are looking for several Research Software Engineers. You will help shape the next generation of GeoAI services, applying advances in artificial intelligence, foundation models and large-scale Earth observation processing. Our platforms support the European Commission, the European Space Agency and regional public authorities in their decisions on climate, food security, biodiversity and infrastructure.

We are looking for highly skilled software engineers and applied scientists with a broad foundation in data engineering and data science. The exact balance between platform engineering, large-scale data processing and applied machine learning will be shaped by your expertise and by project needs. Our end products must not only be innovative but also ready for trusted delivery—operable in regulated or access-restricted settings with strong requirements on robustness, traceability and information assurance. We therefore welcome applications from different profiles, including candidates who are stronger in some areas than others.

You join a talented team that operates at the forefront of European Space programmes, public policy and applied research. You work on systems with global visibility and concrete impact, with the freedom to bring your own ideas into platforms that are used well beyond our institute. We offer a working environment that combines the rigour of a research organisation with the pace of a modern software team.

Your responsibilities:

• Design, build and operate software components for geospatial AI, ranging from data ingestion and processing pipelines to interactive analytical applications and machine learning workflows.

• Develop and extend cloud-based platforms such as the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and Terrascope, contributing to open standards such as openEO and reusable building blocks.

• Apply state-of-the-art artificial intelligence techniques to Earth observation, including deep learning, geospatial foundation models and agentic systems that combine reasoning with geospatial data and tools.

• Translate requirements from thematic experts, end users and government stakeholders into robust, scalable and maintainable software.

• Apply engineering practices such as continuous integration, automated testing, infrastructure as code and machine learning operations to keep services reliable and efficient.

• Follow developments in software engineering, artificial intelligence and remote sensing closely, and bring relevant innovations into our platforms.

• Master’s or PhD degree in computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics or an equivalent discipline.

• Solid software engineering background, with strong skills in Python and/or Scala and good familiarity with modern development practices, version control, testing and code review.

• Experience with distributed processing frameworks in cloud or HPC environments is a plus.

• Working knowledge of machine learning and deep learning frameworks, and interest in applying them to geospatial or sensor data.

• Ability to operate in an international, multidisciplinary environment, with excellent command of English.

• A self-organized attitude, strong analytical skills and the communication skills needed to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Considered as a large plus:

• Knowledge of the Dutch language

• Experience with Earth observation data, in particular the Copernicus Sentinel missions, Synthetic Aperture Radar, hyperspectral or very high-resolution imagery.

• Prior experience in classified information handling or accredited environments.

• Contributions to open-source geospatial projects, open standards such as those of the Open Geospatial Consortium

• Experience with geospatial foundation models, large language models applied to geospatial workflows, or model serving at scale.

• Experience with secure software development, supply chain security and zero-trust architecture.

Offer

• We operate in an activity‑based way, meaning your work activities guide where you work. Our headquarters is located in Mol, and we anticipate an average onsite presence of about 50%. We also support flexibility: part‑time remote work or working from one of our satellite offices in Antwerp‑Berchem, Genk, Leuven, Kortrijk or Ostend is possible.

• A competitive salary with a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance, and a modular package of holidays.

• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to take additional training courses and stay up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and discover new technologies.

• You will have the opportunity to be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific consultancy.

• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.

• Moreover, we highly value a good work-life balance at VITO! This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.