ESA Graduate Trainee in Science Payload Preparation

Our team and mission

The Future Missions Department is in charge of mission preparation activities (system definition studies Phases O/A/BI and technology development) and fast missions implementation in the Science Directorate. Within the Department, the Payload Validation Section is responsible for conducting laboratory-based validation activities, with a particular emphasis on imaging focal plane technologies and instrument electronics, in support of the development of the instrumentation for future ESA space science missions. The majority of these activities take place during the assessment and definition phases (phase A/BI). It also provides general support to the Directorate's other Departments for specific validation activities, for missions under development (phase B2CD) or during operations (phase E).

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

This EGT position offers the possibility of either a hands-on laboratory-based project and/or a software simulation and modelling project. Both projects will contribute to the preparation of future space science missions.

The laboratory-based project will focus on one of the following themes:

• Verifying visible and infra-red detector electro-optical performance and detector readout electronics within the section's laboratories;
• Explore the capability of typical Instruments electronics to operate in a cryogenic environment for the L4 Enceladus mission;
• Work on a new plasma facility in the section.

Your role within this project will include the following tasks:

• Define the project: interaction with stakeholders (e.g. mission study, project or operations team, or payload consortium, instrument developers, scientists) for requirements specification, test plan definition and implementation schedule;
• Design and or modify the laboratory test set-up (generally by tailoring existing set-ups as required);
• Commission and characterize the test set-up;
• Perform the tests according to the test plan;
• Data analysis and reporting.

In this project you will learn about space science instruments, space science detector technology, performance characterization equipment and techniques, test plan and procedure preparation, data acquisition and analysis.

The software simulation and modelling project will focus on the development and utilisation of the Pyxel framework. To support the Departments' activities, the Section has developed an open-source software tool: Pyxel, a novel and multi-purpose Python framework for instrument simulation. It is designed to host and combine models, codes simulating instrument effects such as optical diffraction, charge deposition by cosmic rays, charge diffusion, detector point spread function, readout noise sources, charge transfer Inefficiency or persistence on images produced by any imaging detectors (CMOS image sensors, CCDs, MCT hybridised arrays, MKlDs etc.). Pyxel has been developed over the last 4 years and used for a number of applications ranging from Earth observation spectroscopy to Mars rover navigation camera and space science weak lensing experiments.

Your role within this project will be to:

• Develop further and maintain the Pyxel framework;
• Add additional existing detectors models to the framework in the context of building new instrument simulators;
• Contribute to management and development of the Pyxel user community/collaboration (GitLab issue management, organising workshops, documentation, tutorials);
• Utilise Pyxel in the simulation of a space science instrument and laboratory-based payload validation activities.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains

Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities

General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities

Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline, preferably with specialisation in opto-electronics or equivalent.

Additional requirements

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.

Is considered to be an advantage:

• Knowledge of and hands-on experience of detector characterization and knowledge of space radiation effects upon detectors;
• An interest in and knowledge of space science mission instrumentation;
• Experience in Python programming or equivalently in computer programming with experience in developing software for experimental physics application;
• Understanding of electronic circuits and experience in simulations for the laboratory-based project hands-on experience on operating electronic lab equipment and handling tools;
• Knowledge of Gitlab, Jupyter notebook, and experience in open source software development;
• Knowledge of space science instrumentation, in particular imaging and spectroscopy technologies in the visible and infra-red, plasma instrumentation or testing electronics.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.