ESA Graduate Trainee in Optical Space Network Applications and Services

Our team and mission

ESA Connectivity and Secure Communications is responsible for coordinating, shaping and supporting innovation in satellite communications to bring space technology benefits to citizens’ daily lives. Through the development of new satellite systems and services, its work and partnerships contribute to the advancement of Europe, making real-world impacts by securely connecting everybody and everything – whether in remote areas or when travelling by car, boat or plane. Its pioneering programmes aim to make European citizens’ lives easier, safer and more connected on Earth, the Moon and beyond.

The CSC Optical and Quantum Programme Office (CSC-SQ) supports research, development and evolution of optical and quantum communication technologies implemented in the framework of the ARTES ScyLight (Secure and Laser Communication Technology) programme. Under ScyLight, ESA conducts system studies and market analyses to explore how optical technologies can best be developed and applied to meet market demand. It also enables flight opportunities for the in-orbit verification of these technologies.

The team is made up of optical and quantum engineers, who define and support several activities in the field of optical and quantum satellite communications.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

A major example of an optical space network demonstrator, Hydron (High-throughput Optical Network), is under development in the framework of ESA’s ARTES ScyLight Programme. The vision behind HydRON is that future telecom satellites will seamlessly integrate with global terrestrial high-capacity networks. Today, this integration via optical up- or downlinks through the atmosphere is a key step to connect satellites, as an extension of the terrestrial systems, in space. In doing so, new non-terrestrial networks can achieve broad coverage, improve latency and lower the costs of connection to even the most remote areas of Earth or space. Technology and operational concept demonstration is under development and further extensions are being investigated.

You will explore possible applications and related technologies in the field of optical communications and optical space networks, for example in the domains of:

• maritime communications
• aeronautical communications
• deep space communications

The research work will involve the identification of state-of-the-art technologies, analysis of technology gaps, possible new applications, support for mission analysis and channel distortions.

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 recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in electrical, space or telecommunications 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.

You should also have:

• basic knowledge of system engineering
• knowledge of optical communications
• knowledge of satellite communications

Knowledge of quantum communications is an advantage.

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.