ESA Graduate Trainee in Aerothermodynamics Engineering

Our team and mission

The Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Section is part of ESA’s Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. The Section provides expertise and functional support to ESA projects and carries out technology research & development on flight vehicles, flight physics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and fluidic engineering. The Section is also the focal point for the architecture design, analysis and technical assessment of flight vehicles, including suborbital, (re-)entry, space transportation and exploration vehicles.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

Rarefied gas dynamics plays a critical role in the design and operation of spacecraft systems, particularly in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) environments where traditional continuum assumptions break down. Accurate modelling of gas-surface interactions is essential for predicting aerodynamic behaviour and thermal loads on VLEO satellite intake systems. In addition, rarefied gas dynamics and gas-surface interaction also plays a role for outgassing and contamination analysis of traditional satellites in orbit.

To address these challenges, particle-based simulation methods such as the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach are widely used. Within the section, DSMC codes are used and developed to support projects in atmospheric entry, aerocapture, and satellite contamination (e.g. outgassing, plume impingement). Further improvement of the models and tools is key to improve the simulation fidelity for current and future missions.

Different tasks could be envisaged for the successful candidate, based on experience and the candidate’s interests:

• Comparison and cross-validation of internal with open-source DSMC codes
• Simulations and analysis of gas-surface interaction of VLEO spacecraft and/or satellite outgassing
• Development and validation of new gas-surface interaction models (e.g. Maxwell, Cercignani-Lampis-Lord (CLL)) in existing DSMC codes
• Improvement and modernisation of heritage DSMC codes, including pre- and post-processing and interface routines

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, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or similar.

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.