ESA Graduate Trainee in Thermal Control Engineering

Our team and mission

The Thermal Division is the centre of competence of the Agency in all areas related to thermal engineering, covering development (R&D), design and verification. Within this frame, the Thermal Control Section is in charge of all thermal control aspects for the support to projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies, and the Thermal Analysis & Verification Section is the focal point for analysis methodologies, software tools and experimental/test services executed in the Mechanical Systems Laboratory.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As an ESA Graduate Trainee in the Thermal Control Section, you will have the opportunity to be involved with:

1. Thermal Design & Analysis: Perform thermal design and associated analysis, including steady state/transient analyses of instrument and satellites following familiarization with project requirements and Agency’s tools (ESATAN-TMS). This may also include in-flight correlation of thermal analysis models for ESA projects.
2. Cryogenics: Investigate cryogenic technologies (active and passive coolers) for applications in future ESA spacecraft and launchers
3. Heat Transfer & Heat Rejection: Investigate heat transport technologies such as capillary and mechanically pumped two-phase loops, single-phase loops, heat pipes for thermal control
4. Thermal Protection: Investigate thermal protection technologies (both – re-usable and ablative) for on-going and future missions (e.g. planetary exploration and sample return missions) and re-usable launchers
5. Generic thermal control technologies: Investigate innovative and advanced technologies for the Thermal Control Subsystem e.g. tunable infrared emittance coatings with electrochromic-based solutions, phase-change materials, heat pumps, etc. Investigate specific thermal technologies for small satellites and CubeSats

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 Mechanical Engineering or Physics

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.

You should also have:

Specific required knowledge and interest are different, depending on the field of activity selected: 1. to 5. Physics, thermal / mechanical engineering university degree or equivalent, with basic knowledge of thermodynamics, radiative and conductive heat transfer, cryogenics, fluid/thermal simulations, computer systems.

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.