This is a fixed-term position with an initial duration of 4 years, extendable up to a maximum of 8 years based on performance and organizational needs. As an Optical Payload and Performance Engineer in the Optical Instruments Section, Future Missions and Instruments Division, you will report to the Head of the Optical Instruments Section. Your responsibilities include the end-to-end definition, engineering, technology breadboarding, and pre-development of optical payload systems for future Earth Observation missions, covering both research missions (e.g., Earth Explorers, Missions of Opportunity, and Scout missions) and operational missions (e.g., Copernicus and meteorology missions).

• Identify and investigate new Earth observation principles, techniques, and technologies in coordination with relevant departments and advisory groups.
• Maintain knowledge of technology status and instrument development programs within and outside ESA, including initiatives from other space agencies and commercial ventures.
• Define and assess the performance and technological readiness of new EO optical payload systems in collaboration with mission and system studies.
• Manage industrial contracts for the study and risk-retirement of new optical payload systems as per the activity plan.
• Oversee risk-retirement activities through technology breadboarding and pre-development of optical payload systems for future EO missions.
• Develop ground-based or airborne instrument models based on concept maturity and performance demonstration needs.
• Provide expert support for optical payload aspects of missions in evaluation or preparation phases.
• Lead optical instrument preparations for future EO missions in early phases.
• Support InCubed proposal evaluations and manage technical activities related to EO optical payloads.
• Develop and maintain optical payload systems dimensioning and mission performance models and tools.