Project Lead – Earth Observation Platforms for Security & Defence

As Project Lead, you will guide the delivery of Earth Observation platform capabilities for security, defense and resilience applications, with a strong focus on European programs such as the European Resilience from Space program and its ground segment.

You will translate needs from Belgian, European and NATO security stakeholders into secure, scalable and operational platform services. Working with researchers, IT architects and software engineers, you will lead projects from proposal to delivery, coordinate partners and help shape a roadmap for dual-use Earth Observation services that support rapid access to reliable data, analytics and decision-ready information.

You will join a driven team at the intersection of Earth Observation, digital platform technology and security policy. Together, we develop cutting-edge dual-use services that strengthen situational awareness, crisis response, infrastructure protection and operational readiness, while continuing to serve our civil user communities.

The Environmental Intelligence unit of VITO processes petabytes of Earth Observation data and turns imagery into actionable insights for customers worldwide. We are expanding our contribution to European security and resilience, including ground segment services that connect satellite data, processing workflows, secure access, analytics and user-facing applications.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation and Strategy

• Co-define the technical innovation strategy for Earth Observation platforms supporting security, defense and resilience, including the ground segment of the European Resilience from Space program.

• Identify opportunities to integrate Copernicus, commercial, governmental and VHR data sources into secure, operational workflows for situational awareness and intelligence use cases.

European Program Development and Consortium Management

• Lead the preparation and coordination of project proposals for ESA, Horizon Europe, the European Defense Fund and related security, defense and resilience programs.

• Build, coordinate, and manage international consortia comprising research institutions, industry partners, and public sector organizations across multiple European countries.

• Negotiate consortium agreements, define work package structures, and allocate resources and responsibilities among partners, taking into account security classification and export control requirements where applicable.

• Maintain and expand strategic partnerships with European and Belgian research institutions, space agencies, defense organizations, and Earth Observation industry partners to strengthen consortium positions.

• Engage with Belgian Defense, ESA, the European Commission, the EU Satellite Centre and NATO-related innovation bodies to position VITO's capabilities in emerging governmental Earth Observation services.

Project Management and Coordination

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of technical solutions, ensuring timely delivery and optimal resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects, including projects involving controlled or sensitive information.

• Coordinate project activities with European Space Agency technical officers, Horizon Europe and European Defense Fund project officers, NATO DIANA program staff, and consortium partners.

• Manage project budgets, ensuring compliance with European Space Agency, European Commission and European Defense Fund financial regulations, as well as applicable security and export control reporting requirements.

• Prepare and deliver project reviews, progress reports, and technical documentation according to program requirements, including documentation handled under controlled or classified information procedures where relevant.

• Serve as the main point of contact between technical teams, management, and external partners, including defense and governmental stakeholders, ensuring transparent and effective communication within applicable confidentiality constraints.

Operations and Quality

• Oversee and coordinate daily operational activities to maintain and enhance the service quality and resilience of Earth Observation platforms, including those supporting security and defense operations.

• Track key performance indicators to evaluate service quality and operational efficiency, initiating improvements as needed.

• Identify potential risks, including operational, technical and security-related risks, and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project stability, continuity and resilience.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and security awareness, encouraging innovation and the adoption of best practices across all technical and operational areas.

• Master's or doctoral degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Geomatics, or a related field.

• Demonstrated track record in working with Earth Observation data and services, including practical experience with mission processing, analytics and derived applications for civil, security or defense use cases.

• Proven experience in writing and coordinating successful project proposals for the European Space Agency, Horizon Europe, the European Defense Fund, or comparable national security and defense research programs.

• Demonstrated experience in managing international consortia, including partner coordination, work package management, and conflict resolution, ideally within a defense, security or dual-use research context.

• Proven track record in managing digital platforms, data ecosystems, or cloud-based services.

• Technical affinity with VHR data, openEO, STAC, cloud-native geospatial tools and GEO-AI components such as embeddings, AI agents and automated analytics workflows or standards such as OGC and STANAG is a strong asset.

• Understanding of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), situational awareness, or geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) concepts is an asset.

• Strong presentation skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including defense and governmental audiences, at European and international levels.

• Fluency in English required; Dutch and/or French are a strong asset.

• At least five years of project management experience in Earth Observation, space, digital platforms, security or defense.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively in rapidly changing and demanding environments.

• Eligibility to obtain a national security clearance is required for certain assignments; given the sensitivity of some programs, EU or NATO nationality may be a prerequisite.

A NATO security clearance is required for this position 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 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.