ph3Science Data Quality and Operations Scientist /h3 pFor more than half a century, Serco has walked alongside the pioneers of space. Serco has supported over 50 ESA missions where our teams have helped launch satellites, guide spacecraft across the void and turn data into discoveries that reshape our world. With thousands of specialists contributing across the entire space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to operations and surveillance, we’ve become a trusted force in national and European space strategies. And now, the next chapter could include you. /p pWe are looking for a highly motivated Science Data Quality and Operations Scientist to join a multidisciplinary team supporting ESA scientific missions in the fields of Astronomy, Planetary Science and Heliophysics. /p pThe successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring, analysing, and assessing the quality of scientific data products generated and distributed by Science Operations Centres (SOC). The role involves the verification of scientific processing chains, validation of incoming and outgoing products, investigation of anomalies, and support to scientific operations activities throughout the mission lifecycle. /p pFor missions under development, the scientist will contribute to the definition of operational concepts, quality control procedures, calibration and validation strategies. The role also includes supporting the verification and acceptance of scientific processing pipelines and products delivered by external instrument teams and scientific consortia. /p pFor operational missions, the scientist will support routine scientific operations by monitoring data flows, analysing scientific data products, investigating anomalies, and ensuring that mission products meet the required scientific quality standards before dissemination to the scientific community. /p pThe scientist will work closely with scientists, instrument teams, scientific consortia, software engineers, and mission operations teams to ensure the integrity, consistency,



and scientific quality of mission products. /p h3Main Responsibilities /h3 ul liMonitor and assess the quality of scientific data products and processing chains. /li liVerify the integrity, consistency, and completeness of incoming and outgoing mission products. /li liAnalyse scientific telemetry, auxiliary data and processing outputs to identify anomalies, inconsistencies or data corruption. /li liSupport calibration, validation, verification, and commissioning activities. /li liPerform data quality assessments using Quick Look Analysis (QLA) and similar monitoring tools. /li liInvestigate anomalies and coordinate corrective actions with instrument teams, software engineers, and operations teams. /li liContribute to the definition and continuous improvement of quality control procedures, monitoring tools, and operational practices. /li liProduce quality assessment reports and operational documentation. /li liParticipate in scientific reviews, validation campaigns, and mission support activities. /li liLiaise with external scientific stakeholders, instrument teams, and scientific consortia. /li /ul h3Required Skills and Experience /h3 h3Essential /h3 ul liDegree in Physics, Astronomy, Space Science, Engineering or a related scientific discipline. /li liExperience in scientific data analysis and interpretation. /li liUnderstanding of scientific data processing workflows and product validation activities. /li liExperience with Python and scientific data analysis libraries. /li liExperience working in Linux environments. /li liAbility to analyse complex scientific datasets and identify anomalies.



/li liFamiliarity with scientific visualisation and Quick Look Analysis concepts. /li liUnderstanding of instrument calibration principles and scientific product quality assessment. /li liStrong analytical and problem‑solving skills. /li liAbility to work effectively with scientists, engineers, and operational teams in an international environment. /li liGood written and spoken English communication skills. /li liAbility to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders. /li /ul h3Desirable /h3 ul liPrevious experience with Science Operations Centres or scientific ground segment activities. /li liExperience supporting astronomy, planetary science, heliophysics, or Earth observation missions. /li liExperience with commissioning, calibration, or validation campaigns. /li liKnowledge of FITS, PDS, CDF, NetCDF, or similar scientific data formats. /li liExperience with Python scientific ecosystems (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Astropy). /li liKnowledge of scientific archives and data dissemination systems. /li liExperience with SQL, scripting, and software quality verification activities. /li liFamiliarity with Agile methodologies and collaborative engineering tools such as Jira and Confluence. /li /ul h3What We Offer /h3 pThe position offers the opportunity to work within a challenging and highly collaborative environment supporting multiple ESA scientific missions. /p pThe successful candidate will contribute directly to the quality, reliability and scientific exploitation of mission data products, supporting missions from development and commissioning phases through routine scientific operations. /p pThe role provides exposure to a broad range of scientific disciplines, instruments, processing systems and international collaborations, while offering the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of science operations practices across multiple ESA missions. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Science Data Quality and Operations Scientist (Villanueva de la Cañada)
🏢 Serco Space Services - Europe Careers
📍 Villanueva de la Cañada