Satellite Image Processing Expert

At VITO, we develop innovative Earth Observation solutions that help tackle societal challenges such as climate change, sustainable land management and environmental monitoring. By combining satellite observations, advanced image processing and data science, we transform large volumes of EO data into reliable information products that support decision making for governments, industry and international organisations.

As part of our Earth Observation team, you will contribute to the development of next-generation satellite data processing solutions. You will work on projects ranging from mission preparation and payload specifications definition to the implementation of operational processing chains for EO missions ranging from optical over TIR to SAR. Your work will combine scientific expertise with software development, helping to bridge the gap between innovative processing algorithms and operational EO services.

You will collaborate closely with researchers, software engineers, system engineers, business developers and external partners in an interdisciplinary environment where innovation and knowledge sharing are key.

More specifically, you will:

• Define Earth Observation products together with customers, business developers and system engineers, ensuring they address application needs and mission objectives.

• Translate user requirements into technical specifications for image processing algorithms and operational data products.

• Contribute to the design and assessment of future satellite missions by evaluating payload concepts from a downstream data processing perspective.

• Develop and maintain image processing processors/workflows that transform raw satellite observations into calibrated, geometrically corrected and analysis-ready products.

• Implement and improve existing algorithms for geometric and radiometric processing, atmospheric correction, cloud masking and the generation of higher-level information products.

• Build scalable and automated processing workflows that can efficiently handle large volumes of satellite data across multiple missions and sensor types.

• Support technical proposal preparation, feasibility studies and project execution by providing expertise on EO data processing solutions.

• Continuously evaluate and introduce new processing methods and technologies to improve product quality, operational performance and processing efficiency.

• Contribute to calibration, validation and quality assurance activities to ensure the accuracy and reliability of Earth Observation products.

You are passionate about Earth Observation and enjoy combining scientific insight with software development to create operational solutions.

You also bring:

• A Master's degree or PhD in Remote Sensing, Geomatics, Geoinformatics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering or a related field.

• A solid understanding of optical/SAR Earth Observation, remote sensing principles and satellite image processing from rawdata, Level0 to Level1 and Level 2.

• Strong experience with developing image processing algorithms for satellite or airborne imagery.

• Strong programming skills in Python, C++ and experience with scientific and geospatial libraries such as NumPy, Xarray, GDAL or Rasterio.

• Good knowledge of geospatial data formats, coordinate reference systems and spatial data processing.

• Experience with automated data processing workflows and scalable processing framework/environments is considered an asset.

• Familiarity with calibration and validation methodologies for Earth Observation products is an advantage.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with the ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary project teams.

• Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to explain technical concepts to colleagues and customers with different backgrounds.

• a NATO security clearance is expected for this job and will be part of the onboarding process.

Offer

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