ESA Graduate Trainee in Opto-electronics and Quantum Engineering

Our team and mission

The Optoelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of optoelectronic device technologies and applications.
In particular, the Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.

The Section is staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and offers a unique opportunity to contribute on the challenges related to optoelectronic technologies needed for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The section is developing laboratory test setups and simulation tools in the areas of imaging detectors, optical communication and quantum communication.

Depending on your interests, technical competences and project constrains in 2026/27, you will support one or more of these developments, for example:

• Development of simulation tools for free-space optical or quantum communication systems
• Testbed development of advanced spaceborne optoelectronic applications (for optical or quantum communication, optical detectors and/or lasers)
• Integration and commissioning of upgraded laser induced contamination characterization setup

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 physics or a relevant engineering discipline.

Additional requirements

Knowledge and background in working with optical laboratory setups (incl. lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition or experience in programming & modelling (eg. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD, is an asset.

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.

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.