Lead Optical Calibration and Validation Engineer

Kuva Space is on a mission to solve the world's most pressing issues, such as climate change, food security, safety and security, by building the world's most extensive hyperspectral microsatellite constellation and developing AI-driven analytics services.

We deliver reliable and timely global insights and foresight that transform rich spaceborne data into actionable insights customers can use for efficient resource management, optimizing operations, and improving profitability sustainably.

Satellites are complex entities, and once they're cruising through space, there's no popping the hood to tweak those "it should probably be fine" quirks that slipped through in production. To keep our constellation of hyperspectral satellites in top form, we're hunting for a sharp-eyed, detail-obsessed Process Engineer who's ready to dive into the minutiae and develop the meticulous procedures necessary for smooth satellite operations. In this pivotal role, you'll take charge of developing the production process, pondering every tiny detail that could impact subsystem performance, devising experiments to test crucial processing steps, and creating standardized workflows for efficient production. While the spotlight will be on several optical subsystems, being part of our nimble team means there’s always room to dabble in other areas as we march towards our goal of serialized satellite production.

Lead Optical Calibration and Validation Engineer

Position: Full time

Location: Vaisalantie 2-8, Espoo, Finland (preferred) or remote (optional)

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop & Manage

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive calibration and validation processes for all Kuva Space data products.

• Develop and maintain calibration and validation toolboxes to support efficient calibration and validation processes.

2. Coordinate & Collaborate

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate calibration and validation requirements, procedures and strategies into the product development lifecycle.

• Collaborate with academic institutions, governmental agencies, and international partners to enhance the accuracy and reliability of Kuva Space’s data products.

• Collaborate with the satellite engineering team to contribute to new camera designs and enhancements.

3. Lead & Oversee

• Lead efforts in establishing and maintaining calibration reference sites, both terrestrial and airborne.

• Oversee and prioritise the activities of the data quality team to ensure data accuracy and reliability.

• Monitor the performance of hyperspectral optical satellite instruments (VNIR-SWIR) and analyse data to identify and resolve calibration issues.

  
  

4. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements related to calibration and validation.

• Maintain detailed calibration and validation documentation.

• Prepare and present detailed reports on calibration and validation activities to internal and external stakeholders, and ensure their timely delivery.

• Master’s degree or PhD in Physics, Engineering (optical preferred), Remote Sensing, or a related field.

• Proven experience (5+ years) in calibration and validation of remote sensing instruments or similar technologies.

• Strong understanding of camera radiometric and geometric calibration techniques and data validation methodologies. Spectral calibration is a bonus.

• Strong understanding of metrological approaches to calibration and validation in remote sensing.

• Proficiency with relevant software tools and programming languages, mainly Python, but also Java, C, or IDL.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to guide and develop a high-performing team.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multifaceted, international environment.

• Experience with GIS software and libraries (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, GDAL).

• Ability to make quick decisions and work sustainably in a busy environment

• You share the company mission of improving life on Earth through daily, space-borne hyperspectral imaging and AI!🌎 💚

Bonus points for

• Experience in the design of optical systems

• Experience with imaging spectro-radiometers

• Experience in on-board calibration techniques

• Experience using calibration networks, such as RADCALNET or HYPERNETS

• A track record of published research or technical reports in the field of calibration and validation is advantageous.