Research Software Engineer

Dec 3, 2025

We are hiring a Research Software Engineer to support our Earth Observation activities. You will develop and maintain scientific software to support contributing end-to-end to radiative transfer simulation workflows: 3D scene generation, spectroscopic data pre-processing, radiative transfer model operation and data post-processing. You will also support the maintenance of satellite image generation and exploitation products. You will be part of a small, dynamic, and international team, where English is the working language. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge scientific challenges, with flexibility, autonomy, and room for professional growth.

What you bring

Essential qualifications:

  • University degree in Computer Science, Engineer, Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent.
  • 1 – 3 years of proven experience of programming in the Python scientific ecosystem (such as NumPy and xarray), modern C++ (C++20), and distributed computing (preferably Dask).
  • Strong software design skills.
  • Experience in modern development and testing technologies (git, GitLab, CI/CD, Dev Containers).
  • Experience in image processing, Earth Observation data processing (experience in formats such as NetCDF and Zarr is an asset).
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken).

What makes you stand out

  • Knowledge of relevant topics such as radiometry, computer graphics and remote sensing.
  • Knowledge of GPU programming.
  • Experience with container technology, especially Docker/Docker-Swarm.
  • Experience with virtualization-based server operating systems.
  • Ability to write accurate and consistent technical documentation.
  • Excellent skills to fulfil the assigned tasks with great level of autonomy and sense of responsibility.
  • Ability to plan your work and to cope with tight schedules and multiple tasks.
  • Good sense of teamwork.
  • Strong interest for scientific topics such as numerical computing.
  • Strong motivation to contribute to the development of a young innovative company.

What we offer

At Rayference, you will work with a small, young and international team, in a flexible professional environment. You will have the opportunity to make an impact in addressing important scientific and societal challenges linked to climate monitoring and Earth Observation. You will collaborate with passionate and talented colleagues with whom you will share regular team-bonding activities. We offer a competitive package and we value work-life balance, this is why we offer a flexible schedule and possibility to telework from abroad. We believe in a long-term vision, supporting our staff in developing their best skills and building a career in this field.

The salary for this role ranges from 3.600€ to 4.100€ gross monthly (approximately 50k € to 57k € annually), depending on experience and qualifications. We offer a range of benefits to support our employees’ well-being, work-life balance, and financial security, such as transportation support, internet and phone connection and teleworking allowance.

How to apply

Please send to recruitment@rayference.eu:

  • A cover letter explaining your interest in the position, highlighting relevant qualifications and achievements, and including links to examples of relevant prior works;
  • a detailed CV;
  • email address and affiliations of 2 references.

Only applications sent to this email address will be considered. All documents shall be provided in English. Any questions related to this position can be sent to the same email address. Applications from women are encouraged.