Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Architect
The SatCen is seeking suitable candidates to establish a reserve list for the position of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Architect. The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Architect will be mainly focused on the development of Machine Learning applications.
Job Description
The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Architect should assist the Head of IT Division in leading software development projects to completion for the benefit of SatCen and its end-users. The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Architect will be responsible, amongst others, for the following duties:
- Definition of user and system requirements through interaction with relevant stakeholders;
- Architectural design of technical solutions and choice of technologies;
- Development of software solutions, focused on leveraging the use of AI;
- Day-to-day execution of projects by implementing appropriate technical and coordination actions with internal and external providers;
- Preparation of documents such as project proposals, deliverables, and tender specifications;
- Perform any other duty as assigned by the Head of Division.
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QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Applications will be assessed based on the information provided by the candidates in the Application Form and their performance against the following criteria.
Only applications meeting all essential selection criteria will be assessed.
Essential
- Level of education, preferably in the field of Computer Science or Informatics Systems (or equivalent), corresponding to a completed university degree of at least three years attested by a diploma;
- A minimum of 1 year of professional experience in developing and implementing ML/AI-based software solutions.
Desirable
- A master’s degree in the field of Computer Science, Informatics Systems, or equivalent.
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SKILLS AND COMPETENCES
Essential
- Good knowledge of the software development life cycle and modern software engineering methodologies;
- Proven experience in the development of operational AI/ML applications using ML frameworks (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch);
- Proven experience developing container-based applications;
- Working knowledge of vector databases and their integration into downstream applications;
- Experience in evaluating and adapting open-source models for task-specific use cases;
- Knowledge of modern AI/ML technologies and their applications in Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing;
- Excellent time management skills, ability to prioritise, and ability to work well under pressure or with tight deadlines;
- Strong drafting and communication skills in English, both orally and in writing, at least at B2 level;
- High sense of discretion and confidentiality, as well as strong professional and human ethics, respect, integrity, commitment, and dedication.
Desirable
- User experience with MLOps tooling (e.g. experiment tracking, dataset versioning, model registry tools);
- Experience in fine-tuning foundation models for embedding extraction;
- Knowledge of developing, packaging, and deploying applications for Kubernetes orchestration platforms;
- Knowledge of practices for developing secure applications;
- Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and associated tooling;
- Awareness of classified working environment procedures.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be considered eligible, candidates must satisfy all of the following criteria by the closing date for submitting applications:
- Completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma or equivalent qualification;
- National of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoyment of full rights as a citizen;
- Fulfilled any obligations imposed by the laws concerning military service;
- Evidence of a thorough knowledge of English (at least B2 level), the working language of SatCen, and satisfactory knowledge of another official EU language to the extent necessary for the performance of duties.
In addition, candidates must:
- Hold a security clearance at least at EU SECRET level or equivalent. If not held at the time of application, SatCen will request it. No appointment will be fully confirmed until clearance is granted by the competent national authority. Candidates must also declare any circumstances that could conflict with the performance of their duties;
- Be physically fit to perform their duties. Prior to appointment, the successful candidate will undergo a medical examination in accordance with Article 6 of the SatCen Staff Regulations.
As SatCen is located on an air force base outside Madrid, with limited public transport access and none within the base, a driving licence is highly desirable. Staff members are responsible for commuting by their own means.
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EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Successful candidate(s) may be offered a contract as a permanent staff member in accordance with the SatCen Staff Regulations for an initial period of four (4) years, renewable.
Upon entry into service, successful candidate(s) will be placed in grade A1, step 1, 2, or 3 depending on the length of relevant professional experience. Basic monthly salaries are published on the SatCen website.
In addition to the basic monthly salary, the following benefits may apply:
- Additional specific allowances (e.g. expatriation up to 18% of salary, household, dependent child, education, installation), depending on family situation and place of origin;
- Flexible work arrangements (e.g. part-time work, flexible working hours, teleworking, home leave) under certain conditions;
- Training and development opportunities;
- Annual leave entitlement of 30 days;
- Maternity, paternity, and parental leave under certain conditions;
- Private medical insurance scheme providing worldwide medical care;
- Defined-benefit pension scheme, with entitlement to a retirement pension after 10 years of service.
The salary is subject to a community tax deducted at source and is exempt from national taxation.
