ESA Graduate Trainee in LEO-PNT Satellite System Engineering

Our team and mission

The LEO-PNT Project is responsible for the definition, design, demonstration and validation of the low orbit components of the future European Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) multi-layer System of Systems architecture.

This includes:

• the implementation of an overall end-to-end In-Orbit Service Demonstrator for LEO-PNT currently ongoing with two parallel contracts developing pathfinder satellites and the associated system engineering, ground segment, launch services, operations and in-orbit experiments and demonstrations of end-users services;
• the definition and implementation of a follow-up phase, so called LEO-PNT Industrialisation and In-Orbit Validation, with the objective of developing payload building blocks and their industrialization, together with their In-Orbit Validation in support of future operational systems of commercial or EU institutional nature;
• the preparatory activities towards an EU LEO-PNT institutional component of European GNSS multi-layer systems in full coordination with EU;
• the development of LEO-PNT interoperability open standards in collaboration with international stakeholders, also supporting international initiatives to develop operational LEO PNT capabilities and services.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

If selected for this position, you will report to the LEO-PNT Project Manager within the ESA Navigation Directorate, and you will work in close collaboration with the LEO-PNT System Manager, LEO-PNT Payload Manager and other colleagues in the LEO-PNT team. Based on the LEO-PNT In Orbit Demonstration building blocks, assumptions, and intermediate results, you will establish a framework that enables to extrapolate the advantages and added-value towards a future operational LEO-PNT system, in various aspects of the mission including:

• LEO-PNT satellite payload and platform;
• Constellation mission analysis;
• Concept of operations;
• Launcher aspects;
• Adoption of ‘New Space’ approaches in all the above;
• User segment;
• System and end-user performance;
• Consolidation of system technical requirements.

The objective of the traineeship is to get involved in satellite system engineering aspects of a space project based on LEO satellites and following ‘New Space’ approaches, and to gain skills related to space-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing missions.

There will be access to experienced team members to grow the engineering capability gained from university and a chance to prove that you can work independently on certain tasks.

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 just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics/Mathematics.

Additional requirements

You should be able to demonstrate that they can work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, international team environment.

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.

Also, you should be results-oriented and capable of presenting practical solutions both verbally and in writing. Strong technical, analytical, organisational, and reporting skills are expected, together with a proactive attitude to solving problems and have an interest in innovative technologies and methodologies.

Knowledge of mathematical and engineering packages and programming languages for scientific and technical computing, such as Python, STK, Matlab/Octave/Scilab is considered an asset.

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

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.