Job Summary
- To implement, manage and monitor earth observation systems, encompassing the design of EO systems architecture, ingestion, processing, archiving and dissemination of products for existing and new satellite sensors received.
Key Outputs:
- Oversee the transfer (data management) of old archive data to new archiving systems and availability of processing systems/products.
- Oversee the dry run of systems and onsite acceptance systems testing with international and local suppliers
- Perform technical tasks, such as software development, systems integration, systems administration, testing, etc. where needed to implement, integrate, automate, or improve Earth observation data systems.
- Establish appropriate processes and practices and ensure that these are implemented to create an enabling and supportive for technical growth, reliability, communication, and quality of services
- Define and document options for future system architectures as input and to enable the roll out of the Data Systems strategy and plan.
- Consult with the business to discuss the Directorate’s needs, conduct research on best technologies and set up systems to deliver on requirements
- Keep abreast of relevant technology by networking and participating at technical conference, webinars and workshops
- Operate within the framework of applicable industry regulations and best practices
- Manage the project close-out process and produce final project report, reviewing strategic project and lessons learnt
- Identify strategic projects based on strategic priorities, objectives and action plans for existing and new satellite sensors other programmes.
- Provide input into and manage maintenance and operational contracts with local and international suppliers, pertaining to technical requirements, budgeting, costing, risk analysis and management, scheduling, and maintenance levels
- Develop business case to determine feasibility, associated costs, risks and user requirements
- Prepare and track project plan to map out project activities, resource planning, costs, and associated risks
- Execute strategic projects to ensure adherence to project plan and timeframes
- Participate in new sensor evaluations to establish / recommend the EO sensor portfolio for national and regional requirements
- Monitor compliance to contract and systems integration processes
- Develop and monitor adherence to data ingestion and production standard operating procedures
- Provide feedback on quality of passes received
- Lead formal systems engineering and project management processes.
- Project Engineering, Integration and Upgrade of Earth Observation Systems
Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Engineering, Electronics or Aerospace (NQF Level 9)
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Systems Engineering and technology management
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in software development and systems integration
- Relevant skills and knowledge of Amazon Web Services or equivalent cloud solution architecture.
- Experience building and maintaining big data pipelines including open data licensing, metadata, and other standards such as CEOS specifications for analysis ready data.
- Ability to epitomise positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture.
- Experience working with scientific specialists and Earth observation data.
- Open-source software development practices.
- Ability to communicate complex systems in simpler terms with internal and external stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with infrastructure and data processing partners.
- Experience working in diverse and inclusive teams.
- Systems and software modelling tools / languages, i.e., UML, SysML, LML
- Standardized architecture definition and documentation approaches, i.e., ISO/IEC 42010, SEI Views and Beyond, DoDAF, TOGAF, etc.
- Holistic view of Business, Satellite Systems, Operations, Market, and other Ground stations
- Information Technologies, Computers and networks, internet, product delivery mechanisms
- Database Management and Storage technologies
- EO Ingest, Archive and Catalogue Systems
- EO Processing Systems, GIS
- SLA and maintenance management, risk assessment and systems analysis
- Systems requirement identification, systems specification, verification and validation, product life cycle and project management.