Business Development Engineer Remote Sensing Services

As a top European research centre, VITO and its 1,300 employees turn scientific insights into ground-breaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice. We do so with a single objective: to help our world thrive for at least 1,000 more years. 

The Environmental Intelligence unit within VITO offers expertise, knowledge, data, services, and solutions in the environmental domain. We leverage remote sensing, a key enabler in our space economy, combined with state-of-the-art data modeling and data analytics expertise. 

From user needs to relevant technology and end-to-end support, from drones to satellite data, we provide insights for diverse applications in agriculture, vegetation, water & coast, climate, security, and infrastructure. VITO Remote Sensing doesn’t just observe the world; it actively engages with it. Our team serves an extensive network of customers and partners across more than 115 countries, offering Earth Observation solutions to both public organizations and industry. Our goal is to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable world.  

To support our growth, we are strengthening our Business Development team with a Business Development Engineer who is passionate about translating cutting-edge research into practical, industry-ready solutions. You will work in a dynamic environment, balancing between R&D, prototyping, and operational settings, and transforming customer needs into actionable services. You have a strong engineering mindset, are tech-savvy, and can connect well with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Become an integral part of the business development team, focusing on translating research outputs and digital services into practical solutions for industry applications. Increase visibility of our digital services, represent them in (inter-)national for a and follow market evolutions. 

• Bid management support and follow-up tenders related to Copernicus platforms and services, engage with partners and subcontractors. 

• Analyze the digital services portfolio, provide business model strategies, support and implement the necessary actions to grow the usage, recurring revenue and offering of our portfolio on an (inter-)national level. 

• Engage with the internal stakeholders and take ownership to improve our platforms and services. 

• Stay updated with the latest technological advancements and industry trends. 

Master’s degree or equivalent in (Computer) Science, (Bio-)Engineering, or Environmental Sciences. 

Proven expertise in one or more of the following domains is an asset, but a strong willingness to learn is highly valued: 

• Knowledge of Copernicus data and services, openEO 

• Bid management in an international environment (EC, ESA, Horizon calls) 

• Digital business model setup 

• Programming expertise in higher languages like Python/R/Java and scripts to automate EO/GIS processes. 

• Image processing, Data Science, drones, machine and/or deep learning techniques 

• Environmental/Spatial Modelling techniques 

Hands-on experience in a thematic domain such as land, climate, agriculture, urban or energy domain is a plus. 

Open-minded with a natural interest in state-of-the-art technology and a drive to find efficient solutions. 

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

Willing to travel both within Belgium and abroad. We follow our customers. 

Good knowledge of English is essential due to the international nature of the position. 

Offer 

• A customer-facing position in an internationally oriented research institute with a competitive salary with a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance and a modular package of holidays. 

• Network opportunities with industry leaders at (international) conferences. 

• 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. 

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. Our headquarter is in Mol. Part-time working from home or a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ghent, Genk or Ostend is possible. 

• 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.