Chapter Lead Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Data Quality (m/f/d)

The Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) Chapter Lead will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and data quality of Level 0, 1 and Level 2 data products derived from our sensors. This role includes leading the calibration and validation processes, managing the performance of the instruments, and ensuring data quality meets the highest standards. The Cal/Val Lead will also represent the company in key industry workshops and collaborations, such as NASA's Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation (JACIE) and VH-RODA as well as in customer interactions. Additionally, this role supports commercial endeavors by generating data quality reports and conducting customer-centric studies. The Cal/Val Lead will also manage interactions with the ESA Mission Performance Cluster (MPC) and USGS / NASA..

Strategic Calibration & Validation Oversight

• Achieve 100% validation of key data products with at least two external reference partners (e.g., NASA, ESA, CSDA) by end of 2025.

• Direct in-house and customer-partnered calibration and validation campaigns for 18+ sensors, including campaign design, execution, and performance review.

Workflow Automation for Scale

• Drive implementation of automated Cal/Val workflows to reduce manual workload by 50%, ensuring scalable and repeatable processes across missions.

Data Quality Reporting & Technical Documentation

• Deliver scientifically validated quarterly data quality reporting.

• Generate reusable technical documentation and datasets to support technical development and commercialization of our data.

• Autonomous mgmt of real-world use case studies for L1 and L2 data products, conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications to support onboarding, presales, and industry education. 

• Deliver validated products and technical reports quarterly to support presales, customer onboarding, and government contract closure.

Data Product Stewardship:

• Maintain robust reference datasets (e.g., moon, ground sites, deep space) and lead quality assurance processes to meet industry standards.

External Communication :

• Publish, present, and represent Cal/Val excellence at top-tier forums (e.g., JACIE, VH-RODA) 

• Maintain and build  high-stake partnerships with scientific and commercial stakeholders.

Chapter Leadership:

• Lead and mentor the Cal/Val chapter in a matrix organization, developing excellent technical project & product team contributors that support  a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

• Ensure the team adheres to best practices in data calibration and validation across data products.

• Advanced degree in Data Science, Remote Sensing,  Physics, or a related field.

• Extensive experience in the calibration and validation of remote sensing data products.

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a technical team.

• Proven track record of successful project management.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely.

• Experience participating in industry workshops and collaborations, such as NASA JACIE or VH-RODA.

Preferred Skills:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field.

• Experience with thermal data earth observation data & instruments.

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals related to data calibration and validation.

• Experience managing interactions with ESA CCM MPC.

• Virtual shares for all permanent employees (VSOP=Virtual Share Option Program)
• Company pension scheme (bAV = Betriebliche Altersversorgung) 
• Company accident insurance for all employees (insurance for accidents during work and leisure time around the world 24/7)
• Flexible working hours and home office option (including working from other countries)
• Corporate health benefit via Wellpass Subscription
• Free Deutschland ticket
• Discount on lunch meals
• Company bike via JobRad
• Modern office in Neue Balan with a wonderful pool and campus area