ESA Graduate Trainee in Competitiveness PNT Engineer

Our team and mission

NAVISP, NAVigation Innovation and Support Programme, is an optional ESA programme within the Directorate of Navigation Programmes. Its objective is to foster innovation, strengthen industrial competitiveness and support national strategies around PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing), including Satellite Navigation. NAVISP works with both Participating States industry and relevant bodies and works in coordination with the EU and its institutions.

The Element 2 of NAVISP focuses on enhancing industrial competitiveness within the PNT domain. Element 2 engages with industry in projects targeting industrial R&D risk mitigation on technology readiness, access to market, and/or regulatory environment. Projects are initiated by industry and ESA provides financial support, technical expertise, and/or networking.

Whilst GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) is the most successful PNT technology today, the geo-political context is showcasing vulnerabilities and raising concerns about an overreliance on GNSS worldwide. Consequently, public and private sectors are incentivising R&D in “GNSS complementary” or “alternative” PNT systems (herein after “alternative PNT”). Alternative PNT technologies span from new non-GNSS space systems (convergence between satellite telecommunications and PNT, time transfer over satellite), terrestrial infrastructure (PNT through telecommunications networks, eLoran) or more localised technologies (inertial navigation, indoor localisation). Combining GNSS with Alternative PNT opens the way to define “PNT systems of systems”.

Unlike other technology sectors, the European PNT industry lacks a unified voice, limiting its ability to lobby and accelerate growth. NAVISP is committed to exploring new ways to support Participant States globally, strengthen leadership, and seize emerging opportunities beyond technology developments.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As part of the NAVISP Element 2 office, your role will be:

Competitiveness support

• Mapping the PNT value chain with a focus on Alternative PNT technologies, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of NAVISP Participant States’ industry.
• Updating and extending the industry database with European and worldwide players.
• Articulating the pertinence of a European “PNT industry association” and investigating how NAVISP could support such endeavour.

Industrial support, targeting PNT product development

• Defining thematic or country-specific calls and implementing them.
• Assessing and evaluating industrial proposals requesting NAVISP support.
• Assessing results from project activities in terms of competitiveness gains and technology gaps, to be used as inputs for all NAVISP elements.

Programme support

• Promoting NAVISP and engaging with industry through events, social media, and ad-hoc interviews.
• Reviewing, updating and upgrading NAVISP Element 2 office’s Standard Call and Quality Manual under the supervision of the office manager.
• Providing ad-hoc support on NAVISP digitalisation efforts.

Complementing the role description, you are expected to gain and improve your knowledge and competence in:

• PNT technologies & related business models
• The landscape of European and Canadian PNT industry
• Procurement process definition and optimisation

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 relevant engineering discipline or in physics. Additional background in marketing or business development will be an asset.

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.