ESA Graduate Trainee in Genesis System Engineering

Our team and mission

Genesis is a mission in the ESA Navigation Directorate, foreseen to be launched in 2028 and is currently in the early stages of development. By flying the 4 geodetic techniques on one satellite individual biases of the techniques can be removed, and as an outcome the mission will enable the generation of an updated global model of Earth – the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, employed for everything from land surveying to measuring sea level rise – with an accuracy down to 1 mm, while tracking ground motion of just 0.1 mm per year. This improvement, at a stroke, will have a major impact in multiple navigation and Earth science applications, including enhancing the precision of the Galileo navigation system.

The ESA project team is small and supported by experts as required and will be working closely with Industry to develop the mission in a ‘New Space’ approach as far as feasible. Both space and ground segment will be under design in the time frame of the traineeship, and this will generate an opportunity for the ESA Graduate Trainee to work closely with experienced experts on System level space mission design.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

If selected for this position, you will report to the Genesis System and Operations Manager within the ESA Navigation Directorate. You will take part in the overall system engineering of the mission, including platform development and payload development & integration, along with the development of the mission and scientific ground segment for operations.

• In a ‘New Space’ mission framework, support the execution of GENESIS mission engineering-related activities within the Project and industrial consortium with the objective of ensuring that the space and ground segments fulfil the Agency's mission requirements;
• Be part of setting up lean processes required to monitor the development and ensuring the quality of the engineering activities;
• Supporting the Preliminary Design Review with industry;
• Be part of the work during the critical design phase of the mission, ensuring compliance with the mission performance requirements;
• Work together with the experts on the scientific ground segment development, supporting the implementation of ground systems that allow cost-effective achievement of mission requirements in the routine phase;
• Collaborate with the team of the other project in the FutureNAV program, LEO PNT (Low Earth Orbit Position, Navigation and Timing), especially exchanging on ‘New space’ topics;
• Contribute to the reporting internally and externally to ESA on the Genesis progress and status.

This will be an opportunity to be part of the system engineering team of a small mission that is in the design phase and where there are several interesting topics that need to be covered. 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

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.

Applicants for this position should be able to demonstrate that they can work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, international team environment. Also, they should be results-oriented and capable of presenting practical solutions both verbally and in writing. It is also key that they have a good technical background from University, analytical, organisational and reporting skills, a proactive attitude to solving problems and have an interest in innovative technologies and methodologies.

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.