ESA Graduate Trainee in the Electrical Propulsion Engineering

Our team and mission

The Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicle Engineering Division is the focal point within ESA for all matters related to spacecraft- and launcher propulsion, aerothermodynamics of launchers and re-entry vehicles, as well as architectural and technology assessment of new flight vehicles.

In addition, the Division is responsible for the ESA Propulsion Laboratory, a unique facility in Europe offering opportunities for development and verification testing of propulsion components and subsystems.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will be working at the ESA Propulsion Lab as an Electric propulsion engineer, testing several electric propulsion systems (Hall Effect thrusters, Ion Engines, FEEPs) and learn the use of vacuum chambers, plasma diagnostics, thrust balances, etc. In addition, you will be integrated in a test team and will learn how to test electric propulsion systems in the space environment. Moreover, you will learn how to assess the test data and how to correlate this data with the models of the plasma plume required for the specific engine. Special attention will be given to the improvement of the lifetime of the different propulsion engines and the performance characterisation of different engines.

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, Electric Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics.

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.