Senior Payload Data Operator

About the Role

FADA is searching for an experienced Senior Payload Data Processing Engineer to architect, build, and manage processing chains that convert unprocessed satellite payload data into calibrated, analysis-ready outputs. This position involves overseeing the entire downstream data flow from Level-0 ingestion up through Level-1 and Level-2 product stages.

The ideal candidate will possess practical expertise handling both Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payloads and will collaborate closely with satellite operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with end users, mission engineers, and stakeholders to define EO product specifications aligned with mission goals.
• Translate mission and user needs into technical processing specifications, product formats, and metadata standards.
• Serve as a primary technical liaison among payload processing, satellite operations, and system engineering groups.
• Develop and maintain automated processing pipelines spanning raw data ingestion through Level-0, Level-1, and Level-2 products.
• Implement optical image processing algorithms such as registration, georeferencing, orthorectification, radiometric and atmospheric correction, cloud masking, classification, and derived product generation.
• Integrate workflows into scalable systems meeting throughput and latency requirements.
• Support operations involving multiple payloads and sensors from various platforms and data streams.
• Continuously enhance processing chains by evaluating and incorporating new algorithms, tools, and methods.
• Participate in payload calibration, characterization, and validation (Cal/Val) efforts.
• Collaborate with satellite operations to optimize product quality across acquisition to delivery phases.
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of anomalies in the data processing chain, including issues in payload, downlink, ingestion, and processing stages.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineering staff and represent the company in interactions with external suppliers, vendors, and partners.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geomatics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 to 8 years’ practical experience in satellite payload data processing, overseeing processing chains, algorithm development, or product line management.
• Proficient in processing optical EO data, including calibration, corrections, and product creation.
• Experience with SAR data processing, specifically transforming raw data into Level-1 image products.
• Background in developing, validating, commissioning, and operating payload data processing systems.

Preferred Skills

• In-depth understanding of remote sensing principles, optical, and radar image processing.
• Knowledge of geospatial data formats, coordinate systems, map projections, and standards such as GeoTIFF, STAC, and OGC web services.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, excellent technical communication skills, and capability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary operational settings.