Junior Professional in Innovative Optical Payloads for Future EO Missions

ESA’s Junior Professional Programme offers a unique four-year assignment for enthusiastic candidates with up to 2–3 years of relevant professional experience after their Master's degree. During this period, you will actively work and learn on the job, benefiting from valuable mobility and developmental opportunities designed to prepare you for a successful career at ESA. Subject to performance, the intention is to offer an indefinite contract at the end of the four years, with an upgrade to the A2 grade.

About the Role

As a Junior Professional Engineer in EO small and innovative optical payloads within the Future Missions and Instruments Division, you will report to the Head of the Optical Instruments Section and contribute to the development of innovative Earth observation (EO) optical instruments. Payloads include EO multispectral imagers, imaging spectrometers, Fourier-Transform spectrometers for ocean, land and atmosphere sensing, active laser payloads, and quantum sensors, covering the full wavelength range from ultraviolet to far infrared.

The Future Missions and Instruments Division prepares the Earth observation missions, instruments, and technologies of the future, encompassing a wide range of research and operational missions. The work includes:

• End-to-end definition of space missions, including orbits, instruments, platforms, performance, data flow, launcher interfaces, and ground processing to meet observation requirements.
• Definition and pre-development of optical instruments, including breadboarding of critical elements for technology development and risk retirement.
• Performance modelling and development of tools to assess new instrument concepts and their feasibility.

You will collaborate closely with specialists in various technology domains, as well as with scientists and data users proposing or utilizing mission results.

Main Duties

• Support the evaluation of proposals for small satellite missions with compact optical instruments.
• Study, define, and initiate feasibility/assessment studies on innovative and compact optical payloads for research-oriented missions (e.g., SCOUT missions) or commercial initiatives (e.g., NewSpace).
• Define, develop, maintain, and upgrade optical payload performance models and tools to assess new instrument concepts and their feasibility.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant technology developments inside and outside ESA, reviewing and assessing the potential for photonics and emerging technologies in future EO small satellite missions.

Development Programme

In addition to your daily work, you will participate in an extensive learning and development programme, including tailored technical and key skills training courses. The mobility component of the Junior Professional Programme may involve internal rotations within ESA or external secondments to industry or institutes, providing hands-on experience and broadening your knowledge of the European space sector.

This programme represents a significant investment by ESA in your personal and professional development, offering opportunities to learn from ESA experts and contribute to ESA activities.

Technical Competencies

• Relevant experience with optical remote sensing techniques
• Experience in spaceborne optical instruments development

Behavioural Competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

A Master's degree in optical engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

• 2–3 years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant domain, after completion of your Master's degree.
• Familiarity with small satellites.
• Familiarity with photonics and emerging technologies.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. ESA values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support at the workplace. For further discussion, contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, applicants may be requested to undergo selection tests and basic screening before appointment, in compliance with ESA's security procedures. ESA is transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position. Information regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication but may not be exhaustive.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA Member States, Associate Members, or Cooperating States. The working languages of the Agency are English and French; a good knowledge of one is required, and knowledge of another Member State language is an asset. Recruitment takes into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States.