ESA Graduate Trainee in Exploration Studies: Systems Engineering and Mission Architecture

Our team and mission

ExPeRT (Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology) is part of ESA’s Terrae Novae Exploration Programme. It integrates, coordinates, and manages the development of studies and technologies for future Exploration missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), Moon and Mars destinations.

Under the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, the ExPeRT Team (HRE-E) conducts the assessment studies and technology preparation activities of future ESA exploration missions in the early phases (0, A, B1). The exploration missions currently being prepared include missions to Mars, the Moon and LEO destinations and this post could cover studies in any of these destinations.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The ExPeRT team conducts Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) studies, internal ESA studies and Phase 0/A/B1 industrial studies on a wide range of topics and mission concepts. These will be subject to further iteration and study in the next years to prepare for future mission implementation decisions by ESA member states.

In addition to working on a self-chosen topic, you will have the opportunity to directly support future study activities that will be ongoing or starting at the time of appointment.

Activities identified where you could play a role in maturing such concepts as well as other new concepts in support of ESA’s future exploration mission planning, while working alongside experienced engineers and scientists, are:

• Early phase mission architecture design and trajectory analysis;
• Development of (study) tools and new approaches to the presentation of study outputs to external audiences;
• Mission concept and mission profile trade-offs;
• Definition and/or review of payload, system and mission requirements;
• Analysis of spacecraft design and related system budgets;
• Studies of instrument accommodation at spacecraft level;
• Mission related Technology Development.

The precise area of work you would undertake would be determined together with you at the start of the traineeship and will depend on the Programme needs as well as your skills and interests. However, it is currently expected that the subject of mission architecture analysis and system engineering will be a core part of the work.

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 an engineering discipline.

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.

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.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.