ESA Graduate Trainee in Wave Interaction and Propagation

Our team and mission

The Wave Interaction and Propagation Section covers the understanding of the behaviour of electromagnetic waves (from a few megahertz to optical wavelengths) in a variety of media—both natural and man-made—and environmental conditions, and the application of this understanding to the development and exploitation of space systems. This includes modelling, data analysis and algorithmic development, as well as experimental validation of models and algorithms. It contributes to the performance assessment of space missions.

More specifically this includes:

• Wave propagation relevant to space communications, navigation and remote sensing.
• Wave interaction for active, passive and combined remote sensing of ocean, land and atmosphere of the Earth and other planets.
• In-situ characterization of the interaction/propagation environment.
• Payload data processing and data science techniques, simulation and performance evaluation tools.

For what concerns:

• Theoretical modelling and experimental validation.
• Associated processing, mitigation, retrieval, correction and calibration algorithms for product generation, including algorithmic developments relevant to the generation of Lvl1 (physical observable) and Lvl2 (geophysical quantity) data products.
• For remote sensing, design and validation of on-board processing functions/algorithms for payload data products, image processing and optical payload data compression.
• Contribution to mission performance assessment and to data products quality monitoring and improvement.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As part of the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section, you will contribute to consolidating the modelling, processing and performance assessment of remote sensing or telecom missions.

Examples of fields of investigation for this Traineeship include:

• Supporting the validation and the deployment of a software framework that allows a repository of physically based forward and inverse models provided by the scientific community to be managed, documented, and executed, to support remote sensing science, end-to-end mission performance analysis and the early prototyping of Earth Observation data products.
• Supporting the validation of a Fourier Transform Spectrometer simulator for Earth Observation which aims at simulating representative data products to support the development phase of the FORUM (Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring) Earth Observation mission; operating this simulator to support the assessment of the FORUM mission performances.
• Investigating the capabilities of artificial intelligence foundation models for Earth Observation and preparing their integration into the wave interaction and propagation processes.
• Modelling the propagation characteristics of optical communication systems with a focus on optical atmospheric turbulence and statistical prediction models for link design.
• Analysing and modelling atmospheric propagation data collected by microwave radiometers at ESTRACK stations, for the design and operation of space exploration missions and radioscience experiments.

You will be offered a task along the lines of those listed above. Your background will be duly considered when assigning the task. The nature of the work can be adapted to your skills but will typically involve some model development combined with the analysis of datasets (Earth observation, propagation, outputs of existing simulation or data processing software). Activities will also typically involve some prototype software development (physical simulation, post processing, training and using inference models …).

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 a relevant scientific/engineering discipline such as optics, microwave, wave propagation, remote sensing or computer science.

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.