ESA Graduate Trainee in GEO Satellite System Engineering for Dual-Use Applications

Join the GEO Satellites Programme Office, working with both private and state actors in the field of telecommunications.

A Commercial Telecom Satellite is a space-based communication system designed to provide reliable, high-capacity, and cost-effective telecommunications services to commercial customers worldwide. It complements or extends terrestrial networks, particularly in remote, underserved, or high-demand areas, and supports a wide range of applications including broadband connectivity, mobility services, in-orbit servicing and data transmission. Within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications, a new commercial satellite project is currently under preparation and will run in 2026/2027.

A Telecom satellite for governmental use is a space-based communication system dedicated to supporting sovereign, secure, and resilient telecommunications for government authorities. It complements or substitutes terrestrial networks, especially in critical, remote, or crisis situations. In the Directorate Connectivity and Secure Communications, a new programme is under preparation, namely T4GOV (Telecommunication for Governments), and will be presented to JCB Member States for approval.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will be part of the System Engineering team and contribute to the definition, development, and validation of a complex governmental satellite communication system. You will work across the space, ground, and user segments, under the guidance of senior system engineers.

You will be expected to have the following responsibilities:

• Supporting system requirements definition, analysis, and traceability;
• Contributing to system architecture and trade-off studies;
• Assisting in defining and managing interfaces and ICDs;
• Supporting verification and validation planning and execution;
• Contributing to performance analyses (coverage, link budgets, availability);
• Participating in risk, configuration, and change management;
• Supporting preparation of technical documentation and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR).

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 Engineering (preferably with experience in systems, aerospace, telecom, electronics, or other related engineering fields).

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.