ESA Graduate Trainee in Materials, Environments and Contamination Control

Our team and mission

The Materials, Environments and Contamination Control Section (TEC-MSE) provides expert engineering support to ESA projects, carries out technological research and performs laboratory testing activities focused on the environmental survivability of materials and cleanliness and contamination control engineering. The section supports all mission phases: from requirements definition in early project phases, instrument/satellite development, on-ground assembly integration and test, including launch campaign support and in-orbit induced environments. TEC-MSE has expertise in areas such as atomic oxygen degradation, UV and laser induced contamination, planetary dust contamination, radiation and charging, optical performance degradation, and other synergistic environmental and contamination effects. The section also provides materials and processes support for flight safety, including expertise related to habitable/pressurised environments, materials offgassing and toxicity.

The experts in the section have a strong focus on space hardware, laboratory capabilities, development of innovative environmental testing facilities and non-standard testing techniques, as well as associated modelling related to non-metallic materials, in-orbit contamination and environmental effects. The section’s laboratory work is frequently performed in the state-of-the-art Materials and Electrical Components laboratory at ESTEC, which has unique space environmental testing facilities and a wide range of materials analysis equipment.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The activity field is related to ongoing efforts to develop computational models which can be used to predict the evolution in the functional properties of spacecraft materials when exposed to harsh space environments, such as atomic oxygen, intense UV and particle radiation, high velocity impacts, and thermal cycling. This is relevant for future space missions covering a wide range of applications, from Very Low Earth Orbit, to the surface of the Moon, Mars, the inner solar system and beyond.

In the frame of this traineeship opportunity, you will:

• Perform a thorough literature study and review available experimental data
• Identify/select the most relevant tools to build a reliable predictive model (e.g. AI based, Molecular dynamics analysis, parametric function, …)
• Determine the required experimental test campaign to provide meaningful inputs to feed and validate the models
• Perform the materials selection and Design of Experiments, the samples definition, characterization and testing using the unique experimental facilities available in the laboratory
• Based on your results, identify the most suitable type of predictive models for the determination of the materials end-of-life functional properties, potentially enabling the link between the material physical-chemical modifications and the impact on the performances

This traineeship has a strong focus on laboratory testing and materials characterizations, for which a hands-on approach is required. You will work in an international team environment and you will also have the opportunity to work on other projects within your areas of interest and to collaborate with colleagues from a wide range of different technical disciplines.

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 Materials Engineering, Experimental Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.

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.