ESA Graduate Trainee in Argonaut Missions System Engineering

This graduate traineeship opportunity is within the Argonaut Team at ESA. Argonaut represents Europe’s autonomous, versatile and reliable access to the Moon. From the 2030s, Argonaut landers will be launched on four-booster Ariane 6 rockets. Argonaut Mission 1 would launch by the end of 2030 and demonstrate Europe's end-to-end capability of landing on the Moon's south polar region. Argonaut Mission 2 studies preparation is on-going.

Our team and mission

This opportunity is within the Argonaut Team. Argonaut represents Europe’s autonomous, versatile and reliable access to the Moon. From the 2030s, Argonaut landers will be launched on four-booster Ariane 6 rockets. Argonaut Mission 1 would launch by the end of 2030 and demonstrate Europe's end-to-end capability of landing on the Moon's south polar region. Argonaut Mission 2 studies preparation is on-going.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a member of the “Argonaut” team, you will be working in developing the comprehensive system model for mission, using Model-Based Systems Engineering. This model will be essential for understanding and managing how different mission parts interact and connect. Your effort will play a key role in planning and carrying out Argonaut missions, giving you practical experience in space systems engineering.

Key Activities

1. System Modelling:
   Develop comprehensive models that represent the architecture and components of lunar missions, utilising specialised tools to construct scalable models that address mission objectives.
2. Requirements Management:
   Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and manage both system and interface requirements, ensuring all criteria are systematically linked to the model for robust traceability.
3. Interface Definition:
   Identify and incorporate mechanical, electrical, thermal, and data interfaces within the model, facilitating effective integration and seamless interaction among subsystems and payloads.
4. Collaboration and Documentation:
   Engage with multidisciplinary teams and thoroughly document the modelling workflow and processes.
5. Testing and Validation:
   Support testing activities to verify that the model satisfies all defined requirements and refine the model in response to test outcomes.

During this work experience, you will gain hands-on experience in systems engineering, focusing on model development and requirements management. You will strengthen your ability to collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your skills in creating and validating complex system models for space missions.

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 or relevant industrial 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.
• Knowledge and background in system engineering and model-based system engineering is 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.
• Successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

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.