Technical Coordinator - Ocean Forecasting Applications

About the position

Mercator Ocean International is recruiting a Technical Coordinator to contribute to the development of ocean forecasting applications within the framework of the European OPERA project. Reporting to the Ocean Monitoring Service, you will be responsible for coordinating the technical component of the project’s application developments, working closely with the project manager, internal teams, European partners and external contractors. The position is embedded at the core of operational oceanography challenges, covering the entire value chain — from ocean observation to the delivery of information services to end users — in an international context. You will be particularly responsible for:

• Coordinating the technical activities of the OPERA project, in close collaboration with the project manager and all relevant stakeholders.
• Managing the follow-up of outsourced application developments, from needs definition, drafting of technical specifications and evaluation of tenders through to monitoring and delivery of solutions.
• Acting as an interface between internal teams, project partners, subcontractors and external stakeholders.
• Contributing to the design and organisation of capacity-building activities for project partners.
• Ensuring the valorisation, capitalisation and sharing of the technical and scientific developments produced within the project.

Beyond these core responsibilities, you may also contribute, as needed, to other market development activities of Mercator Ocean International.

Assets for success

You hold a master’s degree in engineering or equivalent, with a specialisation in computer science, mathematics or physical oceanography. You have at least 5 years of experience in the development of regional or coastal analysis and forecasting systems, or in a related field (modelling, data assimilation, machine learning applied to Earth sciences). Experience in European or international environmental programmes and professional experience in Africa are considered strong assets.

We are looking for candidates with a solid command of scientific programming in Python, software engineering best practices (Git, CI/CD, testing), and cloud technologies (Docker, APIs, S3), as well as a good understanding of oceanographic data and processing methods.
Fluency in English and French is required; Spanish is an asset. You also demonstrate strong skills in software development project management, with excellent analytical, prioritisation and synthesis abilities, as well as strong written and oral communication skills and a collaborative mindset. Autonomous and proactive, you show initiative and scientific creativity and are comfortable working in multicultural environments.

Type of contract: Fixed-term contract (specific-purpose), full-time
Location: Toulouse (France)
Duration: 3 years
Desired start date: As soon as possible 
Benefits: Flexible working hours, luncheon vouchers, paid leave and "RTT" (9 weeks), teleworking (2 days/week), sustainable mobility package, complementary health insurance