Earth Observation Scientist - Altimetry (Ocean Topography) in Darmstadt

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Job Description

Job Title: Remote Sensing Scientist - Altimetry

Salary: €140,000–€180,000 + benefits (company car, pension, private medical)

Location: Darmstadt, Germany (hybrid, 80% on-site)

Imagine your algorithms shaping how the world understands our oceans. In this role, you’ll turn raw altimeter measurements into trusted marine data used daily by operational oceanography, climate services and researchers worldwide. If you’re a Remote Sensing Scientist who lives for precision, loves Python/Matlab, and wants your work to matter, this is your next move.

Join a European organisation that operates meteorological and Earth observation satellites 24/7. You’ll be part of an international, mission-driven team working at the intersection of space, science and public good. The culture prizes curiosity, collaboration and high standards—paired with excellent work–life balance, flexible time, and long-term stability.

You’ll focus on ocean surface topography across current and future missions. Day to day, you will support operational altimetry chains (Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6), investigate processing anomalies, manage baseline changes and lead regression testing. You’ll plan and execute calibration/validation (Cal/Val) and monitoring, build tools and methods, and help commission new satellites (e.g., Sentinel-3 C/D and Sentinel-6 B/C).

Looking ahead, you’ll prototype and validate algorithms for next- Copernicus altimetry (including CRISTAL and swath/SAR advances), shape product requirements with user communities, and contribute expertise to reprocessing for climate applications.

You’ll thrive here if you’re comfortable in UNIX, fluent in scientifically-oriented coding (Python and/or Matlab; C/C++ a plus), and at home translating measurement physics into robust, operational processors. Strengths in analysis, synthesis and clear technical writing are essential, as is the ability to work smoothly across teams and with partners (e.g., Copernicus Marine Service, space agencies and research users).

What’s on offer

• Annual salary of up to €180k.
• Company car, attractive final-salary pension, private medical for you and family.
• 30 days’ annual leave + 14.5 public holidays, flexible working time and additional flexi-leave.
• Training, development and relocation support.
• Full-time, open-ended contract.

What you’ll bring

• Deep knowledge of ocean altimetry (including sea-ice/coastal), retrieval algorithms and measurement physics.
• Hands-on Cal/Val experience and operational data-processing know-how.
• Proven UNIX skills; Python/Matlab mastery (C/C++ an asset).
• Familiarity with Copernicus/Sentinel missions and altimetry user communities.
• Clear communicator, strong collaborator, rigorous scientist.

Applications must be in English. On-site presence in Darmstadt is required (hybrid model).

Ready to apply your remote sensing expertise where it counts? Reach out to Lindsay Warren directly at lindsay@netzeroevolution.com

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.