ESA Graduate Trainee in Optical Engineering

Our team and mission

The Optics Section, as part of the Optics, Robotics & Life Sciences Division, provides optical engineering support to ESA projects and carries out technological research in the areas of optical component technology, optical instrumentation (spectro-radiometric imaging instruments in the visible and infrared, interferometry, optical aperture synthesis) and testing (calibration and performance verification).

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a trainee, you will be exposed to a wide range of activities addressed within the optics section. In assistance to ESA optical engineers, you will participate in the development of optical instruments for dedicated space projects, and you will be involved in research and development activities of the corresponding optical technologies. In addition, you will be assigned a specific optical engineering task as outlined in the following section, which you will focus on during your traineeship.

The task is related to multi- and hyperspectral optical imaging systems for earth observation, which enable, for instance, the assessment of vegetation health, the monitoring of greenhouse gases or the improvement of climate models. A high measurement accuracy is paramount to achieving the scientific mission objectives, but several contributors generally degrade the instrument’s accuracy performance. One major contributor is the polarisation state of the incoming light. Its impact can be mitigated by dedicated optical components called polarization scramblers.

In the frame of this traineeship, you will study the use of polarization scramblers in this context of optical remote sensing. This work will comprise a combination of a theoretical and practical part, with the goal to develop an in-depth understanding of their working principle. The theoretical work will focus on the accurate modelling of these elements by applying numerical simulation and analysis tools such as Matlab, Python, and Zemax OpticStudio. As part of the practical work, a dedicated laboratory setup shall be designed, implemented and tested, which shall allow for an accurate characterization of a polarization scrambler’s performance. Ultimately, the goal is to apply the developed lab setup to verify the theoretical performance predictions of representative polarization scramblers as derived from the established theoretical models.

Throughout your traineeship, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists, gaining insights from their expertise while contributing your unique perspective. By the end of your internship, you will have gained valuable experience in the working principle of optical instruments for space applications in general, and polarization effects within multi- and hyperspectral imagers in particular. You will have acquired skills in using advanced optical simulation tools and you will have gained hands-on experience related to the characterization of optical components in a laboratory environment.

As part of your traineeship you will also get the opportunity to learn about other activities and projects that the section is involved in.

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

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.

A very good knowledge in developing numerical simulation tools (e.g. in Matlab and/or Python) and a basic experience in the use of optical engineering software (such as Zemax OpticStudy and/or CodeV) is required.

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.