ESA Graduate Trainee in ALTIUS End-to-End Performance Modelling

Our team and mission

The ESA ALTIUS mission is a small, agile Earth observation mission designed to monitor the distribution and evolution of stratospheric ozone with high vertical resolution. Additionally, ALTIUS also measures vertical profiles of other atmospheric species and aerosol extinction, contributing to a better understanding of our atmosphere.

The payload is a 2D imaging instrument that observes the Earth’s limb at chosen wavelengths in the UV, Visible, and Near-Infrared. Mounted on an agile PROBA-based platform, ALTIUS operates in multiple observation modes - including bright limb, solar occultation, and stellar occultation - allowing measurements during day, night, and eclipse conditions.

The ALTIUS team at ESA is organized into Instrument, Platform, and System sections. We work in a hands-on environment, typical of small missions, where collaboration and adaptability are key. This structure ensures close interaction between all engineers and scientists involved in the mission.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will gain hands-on experience in the ALTIUS mission by working alongside experienced engineers and scientists. Your activities will focus on learning through practical involvement and contribute to ongoing developments:

• Explore modelling techniques for ALTIUS End-to-End performance, emphasizing instrument behaviour and on-ground data processing.
• Learn how to apply an internally developed End-to-End simulator to independently validate Level 1 performance.
• Develop software to independently assess the quality of on-ground calibration measurements and products.
• Gain experience in calibration data processing by supporting the development of software that transforms raw on-ground calibration measurements into products that allow the processing of in-flight observations into Level 1 outputs.
• Apply calibration data to validate simulation models, including both instrument and ground-processor modules, using internally and/or industry-developed End-to-End performance simulators.
• Participate in independent validation activities for in-flight Level 1 performance, including the review and post-processing of in-flight calibration plans and datasets to ensure scientific accuracy.

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 Physics or Engineering with strong optical and data processing background.

Additional requirements

Knowledge of programming languages such as Python would be beneficial.
Experience in data processing would be beneficial.Experience in mathematical modelling of optical, instrumental or detector effects would be beneficial.

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.

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.