Technical R&D Project Lead

We are building technology that does not yet exist. With data, software, cloud computing, and AI, we are developing new solutions for issues related to climate, biodiversity, and the physical environment.

We are looking for a Technical R&D Project Lead who will take complex innovation projects from idea to result. You will work closely with the R&D Lead and play a key role in realizing new technology, models, and products.

About Terramira

Terramira is a new force in Earth Intelligence, born from the combined expertise of NEO, eLEAF, and 52impact.

We convert satellite and sensor data into actionable information for challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity, and infrastructure. Our clients - from agro-businesses and water authorities to international organizations and governments - need insights that enable better decisions. That's exactly what we deliver.

We are a growing organization with short lines of communication, an open culture, and a strong drive to do meaningful work.

About the Role

You will lead R&D projects with a horizon of one year or longer. Projects where not everything is set in stone and where structure still needs to be established. Where technical choices need to be made. Where sometimes it needs to be proven first whether something is even possible.

Our tech-stack: your say matters here

Python: libraries around big data, AI, and geospatial, including numpy, pandas, pytorch, rasterio, gdal, geopandas, ray

Cloud, mainly AWS: Batch, EC2, ECS, Cognito, S3, Docker, Kubernetes

Data storage: GeoParquet, PostgreSQL, DeltaLake

What are we working on?

• Foundation models for geospatial applications.

• Agentic systems for geo-analyses.

• From monitoring the earth (passive, in retrospect) to more predictive analytics, human-in-the-loop simulations (active, future-oriented).

• Platforms for processing datasets at petabyte scale.

Not everything we tackle will succeed. In fact, if everything works out, we probably aren't taking enough risks.

What will you do?

You will be involved in:

• Driving progress - You ensure that something comes out of it; stopping a project is also an outcome.

• Leading innovation projects from kick-off to delivery.

• Reporting to steering committees on project planning, risks, and impact.

• Challenging technical choices around data, cloud, and AI.

• Managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Collaborating with knowledge institutions, partners, and external experts.

You are not the one writing code, but the one who understands the technology to a certain extent to ask the right questions, evaluate choices, and guide projects in terms of content.

What are we looking for?

Someone who thrives on complex challenges, who dares to lead in uncertainty, and who turns innovation into tangible results.

You are technically strong, self-reliant, and curious. You ask critical questions, bring structure, and feel comfortable in an environment where the outcome is not yet determined.

In addition, you have:

• Experience with complex software and data projects, such as building agentic systems.

• A technical background, for example in software development, data engineering, or data science.

• A strong desire to stay up to date in a rapidly changing field (you actively read about the latest AI and software developments).

• Affinity with large-scale data processing.

What do we offer?

• An important role within a growing R&D team.

• Close collaboration with the R&D Lead.

• Significant responsibility.

• Work on innovative technology with real societal impact.

• A hybrid work environment, located in Amersfoort.

Are you ready to make an impact?

Do you want to not only ensure our numbers are correct but also help determine what we do with them? Apply now!

Contact Person

Fleur Kappen

+31638328114

fleur.kappen@terramira.com

Acquisition as a result of this vacancy is not appreciated.

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