ESA Graduate Trainee in Power Systems

Our team and mission

The power management and distribution section is a very lively, social and competent group of people, with a really great work atmosphere. EGTs, trainees and Research Fellows are fully integrated in the section and participate to all meetings. They have access to support from all members of the section as needed.

The section takes care of:

• Power system architectures: Working on the optimum architecture definition and the overall sizing of the system, linking with the colleagues from the solar array and battery sections
• Primary power system units: Working on the topologies and features of the main power conversion units
• Secondary power conversion: Working on DC/DC converters, control systems, protections, etc
• Distribution system: Working on the safest and most efficient way to distribute protected power to all units
• Technologies for power conversion: Working on the use of GaN and SiC switches, digital control, new topologies, etc.

Apart from the assigned tasks, EGTs and trainees are welcome to participate in any other activity going on in the section if they are particularly interested in them.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The proposed training project consists in one or several of the following tasks:

On the Power Systems area:

• Build generic simulation models of the main power system types
• Build generic 3D models of the most typical satellite configurations
• Build a generic behavioural model of all power units
• Build a generic functional model of all power units
• Build and test a full power system architecture with the models developed
• Develop an alternative power system sizing method to reduce system margins

On the DC/DC converter area:

• Design and test new power topologies with GaN devices
• Design and test new digital control strategies with FPGAs or microcontrollers
• Design and test electronic protection systems
• Design and test electronic motor drives

All activities that entail relevant breadboard realisation and test can be done in our lab.

For analyses, advanced model and simulation tools are available (LTspice Simetrix/Simplis, Matlab, Jupyter, Mathcad, EcosimPro. etc).

For breadboard and tests, relevant electrical/electronic components, tools and instrumentation are available in the labs (solar array simulators, power and signal generators, scopes, sensors, active and passive loads, network analyser, impedance test bridges, etc).

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 recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent studies) including courses on Power Electronics.

Additional requirements

• Knowledge on power electronics, mainly DC/DC converters, and university assignments around power electronics is an asset.
• Knowledge on Python programming, electrical simulation software (preferably LTspice) and FPGA programming will be an asset.
• Some experience in the laboratory building or testing power electronics circuits will be an asset.

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.