ESA Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation Scout Missions Engineering

Our team and mission

This EGT opportunity is within the Scout project team, an agile and lean team working within a new programmatic element developed by the Agency in response to the quickly evolving scientific and technological environment in the Earth Observation (EO) sector.

The Scout missions are characterized by an agile and low-cost development process to prove new concepts for future ESA Earth Observation endeavours and to timely increase scientific value of current Earth Observation data through supplementary observations, to complement the Earth Explorers, which have been - and will remain – world-class ESA missions fostering amongst other new EO technology. The Scout missions take advantage of new development methodologies, high-risk approaches (e.g. use of Commercial Off The Shelf components) and existing assets.

Two Scout missions are currently in the implementation phase (HydroGNSS and NanoMagSat), with a third Scout mission (TANGO) expected to join the family in the first quarter 2025.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As an integral part of the project team, you will be working on the implementation of the Scout missions (HydroGNSS, NanoMagSat and TANGO) with particular focus on the evaluation of the mission performances and the main design parameters which drive performance.

Your mission will include (but will not be limited to) the spacecraft requirements specification, design and validation in various domains (e.g. electrical, control, mechanical, thermal, optical, science) depending on your background and aspirations mostly using Model Based System Engineering.

In particular, and in liaison with the specialists in the project team, you will highlight and characterize the critical aspects of the spacecraft design that mostly influence the mission performances and the scientific quality of data produced by the instruments.

You will also perform parametric and sensitivity analyses with extensive use of simulation tools which you will contribute to develop. During your traineeship, you will also be in contact will all experts of the project team, giving you the opportunity to develop your system view.

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 or Electronic 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. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.