Data Quality Control Engineer

Introduction

Serco is a trusted leader in Space Services, with a proud history spanning over 55 years and a track record of supporting more than 50 space missions for world-renowned agencies like ESA and NASA. Our expertise covers the entire space lifecycle - from satellite testing and launch services to spacecraft operations, space surveillance, and data management - making us a key partner in advancing national strategies and driving innovation in the New Space era.

We are currently searching for an experienced and dynamic Data Quality Control Engineer to join our international team in Rome and work on a full time, permanent position with hybrid working style and excellent opportunities for career progress.

The Community You Will Join

You will work in an international, diverse team, surrounded by top-tier scientists, engineers, and technical experts who inspire and challenge you every day. You’ll have ongoing opportunities to grow through specialized training and professional development tailored to the space sector, all while being part of a company that genuinely values work-life balance, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. As you contribute to innovative projects and mission-critical systems, you’ll gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies and collaborate closely with major space agencies, becoming part of something truly extraordinary.

The Difference You Will Make

You will contribute directly to some of Europe’s most exciting space programmes, from Earth observation and climate monitoring to satellite navigation and space safety. Your work will play a vital role in ensuring mission success, enabling better decision-making on Earth and driving innovation in orbit. Whether you’re helping managing spacecraft operations, analysing mission data, or supporting software and systems development, your expertise will help move Europe’s space ambitions forward.

Your Mission

In this role, you will support the Atmospheric Data Quality Manager in overseeing the Mission Performance Cluster Quality Centre contract. You will critically review service documentation and user-facing documents, prepare presentations, and participate in progress and yearly mission review meetings. You will inspect data products using tools such as Python or Panoply when required and follow up on product quality anomalies raised by ATM-MPC or third parties, ensuring timely investigation and resolution. You will review activities related to user queries handled through the Coordination Desk and the PDGS, ensuring service performance and responsiveness. You will support and participate in Quality Working Group (QWG) meetings, collaborating with experts from academia, industry, and Copernicus services, and review deliverables and technical notes from Calibration/Validation teams to maintain high standards of product quality. In addition, you will assist the Mission Manager in drafting monthly reports, attending operations meetings, and performing assigned tasks. You will support the Agency in evaluating and coordinating recommendations from expert groups on product quality improvements, reviewing documentation for new atmospheric missions within the Copernicus Contributing Missions framework, and attending and documenting Operations Board Meetings and other ESA-requested meetings. Finally, you will contribute to scientific papers, technical reports, and presentations at international conferences and workshops.

What You Bring to the Mission

In this role, you will apply strong experience in handling and analysing Earth Observation data, particularly within atmospheric domains, including data from past and current atmospheric EO satellite missions. You will leverage solid expertise in atmospheric physics and remote sensing to deliver reliable and scientifically meaningful results. With a university degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, or a related field, complemented by further academic studies in atmospheric sciences or remote sensing, you will apply sound knowledge of retrieval algorithms and oversee their effective implementation. You will ensure high data quality through robust quality control, calibration, and validation methods for satellite-based atmospheric products, supported by a strong understanding of atmospheric dynamics and physics. You will contribute actively to Calibration/Validation projects and apply your experience in atmospheric dynamics and chemistry modelling to strengthen scientific outcomes. In alignment with the EU Copernicus Programme, you will support mission objectives and product excellence. You will demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills by producing scientific publications, preparing detailed technical reports, and delivering clear oral presentations, while working confidently and professionally in English within international environments.

What We Offer: More Than Just a Job

At Serco, we believe your career should come with more than a payslip, it should come with peace of mind, flexibility, and opportunities to thrive. That’s why we’ve built a benefits package designed to support you and your family, both inside and outside of work.

Here, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll step into a place where your long-term growth is planned and supported through a clear career path and continuous training opportunities that help you evolve with confidence. You can enjoy the freedom of a hybrid working style, complemented by full health and life insurance that brings peace of mind to you and your loved ones. And as an added perk, you’ll benefit from exclusive discounts at selected shops, making everyday life a little more rewarding while you build your future with us.