ESA Graduate Trainee in Small Satellites System Engineering

Our team and mission

Within the European Space Agency’s Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, the Small Satellites Unit promotes, identifies and implements technologies and flight opportunities for small satellite platforms (~100 to 300+ kg range). The Unit is involved in projects covering all mission phases, starting from feasibility studies, to detailed design, testing and verification, up to in-orbit operation, for various mission profiles for IOD/IOV, optical applications, etc., for both single satellite and constellation missions. The Unit also provides ESA Programme Directorates with technical support in the areas of small satellite system engineering and development and closely collaborates with experts from all engineering domains. The Small Satellites Unit is comprised of a team with a wide range of skills, uniquely tailored to carry out system and subsystem design developments for applications containing a high level of innovation and requiring innovative engineering approaches.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As an ESA Graduate Trainee, your activities will involve training in design, development, verification, testing and operations of small satellite platforms, subsystems and platform units. You will gain hands-on experience and carry out dedicated tasks in one or more of the projects currently carried out by the Unit. You will be working closely with specialists from different engineering domains and disciplines and be mentored by a team of system engineers with a variety of backgrounds and a wide range of expertise. Your activities and tasks may range from overall system and/or subsystem sizing for conceptual studies and initial mission and spacecraft development phases, to detailed system and subsystem design, through to verification, testing (environmental, functional and performance) and validation, concerning both hardware and software, at unit, subsystem and system level. Training opportunities may also include end-to-end system validation, as well as development and utilisation of units and system functional models in relevant simulation environments. The position will involve the implementation of design, engineering and verification standards on a daily basis, and training opportunities in the adaptation of general approaches to specific applications based on small satellite engineering and elements containing high level of innovation.

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 or Electrical/Electronics Engineering or equivalent with knowledge of space systems and applications.

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. Hands-on experience (e.g. gained through internships or placements in Industry or with Academic projects) in the design, development or functional/performance verification of a satellite's unit or subsystem, preferably avionics (including AOCS subsystem), either relevant to hardware or software, although not mandatory, will be considered an asset.

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
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.