ESA Graduate Trainee in Optical and Quantum Communication

Our team and mission

You will join the Strategic Programme Line on Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight Team within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Satellite communications is the economic engine of the space industry, representing a major segment of the global satellite economy. ESA’s programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) seeks to keep European and Canadian industry at the leading edge of this global market by nurturing innovation. The ARTES Strategic Programme Line on Optical and Quantum Communication – ScyLight – is dedicated particularly to the development of innovative optical and quantum communication technologies for global networking systems such as HydRON, Quantum Information Network (QIN) or Moonlight and their corresponding satellite demonstrations. ScyLight Team is responsible for defining and implementing a strategy for the development of optical and quantum technologies for the next generation satellite communication systems.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will join the ScyLight Team and be responsible for supporting the definition and development of one of the next-generation communication networks, namely space-based Quantum Information Network (QIN) or beyond-Earth optical communication network. You will be exposed to and learn about development process of innovative optical and quantum technologies for the use in satellite communication systems (space and ground segments).

During your ESA Graduate Traineeship, you will have the opportunity to:

• Support an architecture definition and system study of beyond-Earth Communication Network or Satellite-based Quantum Information Network and its integration with terrestrial quantum networks, computers and sensors;
• Support atmospheric monitoring network and enabling its data to improve cross-atmospheric optical and quantum communication;
• Support a modelling, simulation and optimisation analysis of satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground free space optical communication links;
• Contribute to the definition and specification of required optical/photonics/quantum technology developments, including devices, modules and equipment;
• Support tests validation and requirement verification of system and subsystems;
• Monitor relevant trends and developments in optical and/or quantum communication and networking in order to support ScyLight strategy development;
• Support the ScyLight programme and its team in maintaining optical and quantum technology developments roadmaps and developing ScyLight annual work plan;
• Follow up and analysing related standardisation activities/initiatives;
• Support the ScyLight team in meetings and liaising with industry, academia and research institutions involved in the development of optical and quantum technology, systems and flagship projects (such as HydRON – high-throughput optical space network and SAGA – security and cryptographic mission, Moonlight).

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 engineering, physics or computer science, with a specialisation in optical communication, quantum communication or photonics.

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.

In addition, the following would be considered an asset:

• Experience in laboratory and research settings (preferably with optical/photonics/quantum technologies).
• Knowledge of free space optical communication networks.
• Knowledge of quantum communication networks or quantum algorithms and computing.

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.