Project lead - Earth Observation platforms

As a Project lead, you will manage the development and execution of our technical strategy, oversee its implementation, and manage daily operations of our remote sensing services platforms.   

You are the driver in an ecosystem of Earth Observation data, workflows and platform technology and ensure project execution from proposal to final review meeting. You work within a team of researchers, IT architects, and software engineers. Together with the team, you translate and shape the project requirements in an efficient and operational service. You scan the market for opportunities to contribute to and execute the internal vision and roadmap in a fast-evolving landscape of technology.   

You'll become part of a talented, dedicated team working in a fast-paced, challenging international environment. We thrive to develop added value products on cutting edge technologies that will be used by a broad public, industry, the public sector and universities and to make an impact on the world with expert knowledge.   

The Environmental Intelligence unit of VITO processes petabytes of Earth Observation data. We specialize in the extraction of information from vast amounts of incoming images, which are required by our customers worldwide. Our extensive group of customers can be found within the domains of land use, civil infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, water management, and ecological development. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Technical Strategy Development and implementation: Define and articulate a robust technical strategy aligned with the project’s objectives and long-term vision. 

• Implementation Leadership: Lead the end-to-end implementation of technical solutions, ensuring timely delivery and optimal resource allocation. 

• Daily Operations Management: Oversee and coordinate daily operational activities to maintain and enhance service quality. 

• Performance Monitoring: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate service quality and operational efficiency, initiating improvements as needed. 

• Budget Management: Monitor expenditure, optimise operational costs, and ensure all activities are executed within approved budgets. 

• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the main point of contact between technical teams, management, and external partners, ensuring transparent and effective communication. 

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project stability and continuity. 

• Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and adoption of best practices across all technical and operational areas. 

• Master’s or PhD degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Project Management, or a related field. 

• Proven experience in managing complex digital platforms, data ecosystems, or cloudbased services. 

• Strong understanding of Earth observation, Copernicus missions, and geospatial technologies. 

• Demonstrated leadership in strategic planning, product management, or program management. 

• Technical fluency with cloud infrastructures, data processing workflows, APIs, and modern software development practices. 

• Excellent writing and presentation skills with the ability to engage both technical and nontechnical stakeholders. Fluency in Dutch and English required, French a strong asset. 

• Experience working with European institutions, (inter-)national research communities, or EOrelated industry partners. 

• You are a self-motivator and able to work in rapid changing and demanding environments 

Our offer: 

• 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, Ghent 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.