ESA Graduate Trainee in Structural Engineering

Our team and mission

The Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division TEC-MS is the centre of competence of the Agency in all areas related to Spacecraft and Launcher Structures, and Mechanisms, Tribology and Pyrotechnic devices, as well as Materials and Processes. This encompasses spacecraft and launcher lightweight structures, stable structures, advanced mechanical materials applications, structural dynamics, damage tolerance, deployable structures/booms, active structures, hold-down and release devices, electrical motors for space mechanisms, launcher and re-entry vehicle hot- and cold structures, landing attenuation systems, seals, valves, parachute systems, separation systems, solar array drive mechanisms, reaction wheels, pointing mechanisms, pyrotechnics, bearings and tribology aspects. It provides support to projects, preparatory programs and technology programs.

Within this frame, the Structures Section TEC-MSS oversees all structural engineering aspects, including:

• Structural Design and Verification Methods / Tools
• Static / Dynamics / Vibro-Acoustics
• Hyper-velocity impact/ Crash / Micro-meteoroid & Debris Protection
• Damage Tolerance / Fracture Control / Health Monitoring
• Fluid Structure Interaction (e.g. Sloshing)
• Launcher Coupled Dynamic Analysis
• Demisability
• Re-Usability
• Thermo-Elastic
• High Stability / High Precision Structures
• Active / Adaptive Structures
• Inflatable and Deployable Structures
• Launchers / Re-Entry (Hot Structures) / Planetary Landing Vehicles
• Crew Habitation / EVA Suits

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The Trainee will participate in the conception, analysis and development of structures for use in space vehicles. In assistance to ESA engineers working in this domain, the holder of the training position will be given specific tasks which may include:

• Perform / evaluate instrument / satellite accommodation studies, familiarization with project requirements and CAD tools
• Perform structural modelling activities and structural static / dynamic / vibro-acoustic / shock analyses (Nastran, Abaqus, VA-One, etc), in support to on-going spacecraft and launcher programs
• Participate to the definition / improvement / verification of structural & configuration analysis tools (including participation to and development of the satellite Concurrent Design Facility)
• Perform Fracture Mechanics Analysis and evaluate material properties for manned and unmanned spacecraft (ESACRACK, FRAMES-2, NASGRO)
• Participate to the definition /improvement/ verification of FSI (Fluid Structure Interaction) analysis tools with emphasis in sloshing, water landing and parachute deployment structural applications
• Perform numerical simulations of micro-vibration related problems considering characterization of disturbers at the source and evaluation of possible isolation and attenuation of the environment at the target
• Perform Hyper-Velocity Impact Simulations and related analyses for the different Spacecraft protection measures against in-orbit Micro-Meteoroid and Debris Impacts
• Support the development of new technologies for structural design / hot structures concepts and materials/health monitoring concepts for Reusable Launch/Re-entry Vehicles, including related engineering analyses and support to on-going programmes
• Support to mechanical test programmes, including the development and application of tools for mathematical model correlation / cross-checks between analytical predicted and experimentally identified modes, deflections, strain
• Participate in the development and application of the Agency's structural analysis tools (e.g. Nastran, ESACOMP, etc.) for spacecraft and launcher composites structures, including the evaluation of composite test methods and implementation of relevant interfaces in FRAMES-2, ESACOMP
• Participate in the development of tools and methodologies for dynamic analysis of spacecraft and launchers, e.g. Coupled Loads Analysis and Shock propagation analysis, low, medium and high frequency
• Participate to the development of stochastic analysis/design methods, e.g. for the areas of Damage Tolerance, mathematical model correlation, buckling and thermo-elastic stability

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 Aeronautical or Mechanical 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.

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.