ESA Graduate Trainee in Systems Engineering for Space Sustainability

Our team and mission

The ESA Sustainable Engineering Section (TEC-SFS) is part of the Future Engineering Division under the Systems Department in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (TEC). The section provides engineering support to Clean Space and REACH Office to tackle all potential space hazards which can impact human activities on Earth or again in space. The spectrum of topics ranges from mitigation of man-made space debris, to enable their active removal, to implement space systems end-to-end in a sustainable and eco-compatible way, including chemical regulation and supply chain disruption, and shape the future of space in-orbit servicing environment by fostering circular economy in space.

The team’s work is focused on the four following areas:

• Ecodesign for Space: providing a framework for embedding environmental sustainability within space mission design, to define goals to achieve the objective of a Green Space through the development and usage of green technologies;
• Zero Debris: developing technologies to prevent the creation of future debris and implementing system activities to promote their integration in future missions, striving to achieve solutions for a Zero debris approach for ESA missions by 2030;
• In-Orbit Servicing: enabling commercial missions aiming at servicing other satellites, through active debris removal, repairing, refuelling or even recycling, as the cornerstone for a vital new European business;
• REACH (Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals): support ESA technology programs addressing obsolescence risks for future developments, obsolescence risk mitigation as inputs for ESA R&D funding schemes. In addition, to support ESA projects in the matters associated with material obsolescence and REACH.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

Your fields of activity will be as follows:

In the topic of Ecodesign you will support:

• the improvement of LCA framework;
• the analysis of environmental impact of ESA missions;
• the review of LCA models;
• the enhancement of LCA and Ecodesign methodology within ESA and member states.

In the topic Zero Debris, you will support:

• the development of the Zero-debris policy and the assessment of the systems level impact of its adoption;
• the development of End-of-life technologies;
• the Zero Debris system level activities (i.e. platform technologies).

In the topic of In-orbit Servicing, you will support:

• the Technology development and R&D for the Circular Economy Vision;
• the ESA programme directorates project activities on In Orbit Servicing (IoS) and Active Debris Removal;
• the development of European standards (interfaces, operations, etc) for IOS.

In the topic of REACH, you will support:

• the ESA technology programmes and Projects with addressing material obsolescence;
• the activities and initiatives related to REACH and other relevant regulations affecting European space sector.

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 aerospace engineering.

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 preferably also have a background in spacecraft systems engineering and space mission architecture design.

Knowledge or/and interest of mission analysis and design, concurrent engineering processes, space project life-cycle, Clean Space Domains End-of-Life management (e.g. zero debris approach, de-orbiting technologies, design for demise, etc.), In-Orbit Servicing and EcoDesign (e.g. Life Cycle Assessment) is 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
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.