ESA Graduate Trainee in System Engineering

Our team and mission

The Science Missions Studies Division is responsible for assessment studies activities of all ESA science missions in early phases (0, A, B1). The Division is organized in 2 sections, namely Astrophysics & Fundamental Physics Missions Section, and the Solar System Missions Section. The Division is part of the Future Missions Department of the Science Directorate, which has the overall responsibility for definition and technology preparation activities of future science missions, and for fast mission implementation.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

Various opportunities can be offered within the Mission Studies Division in the context of assessment studies for future ESA science missions. Activities identified where the candidate could play a role working alongside experienced engineers and physicists are:

• Mission concept and mission profile trade-offs
• Definition and/or review of instrument and mission requirements
• Analysis of spacecraft design and related system budgets
• Studies of instrument accommodation at spacecraft level
• Instrument performance and sensitivity/tolerance analyses
• Mission related technology development
• Planetary protection approaches
• Preparation of (study) tools

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 spacecraft system 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.

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.