ESA Graduate Trainee in ALTIUS End-to-End Performance Modelling

Our team and mission

The ESA ALTIUS mission is a small, agile Earth observation mission designed to monitor the distribution and evolution of stratospheric ozone with high vertical resolution. Additionally, ALTIUS also measures vertical profiles of other atmospheric species and aerosol extinction, contributing to a better understanding of our atmosphere.
The payload is a 2D imaging instrument that observes the Earth’s limb at chosen wavelengths in the UV, Visible, and Near-Infrared. Mounted on an agile PROBA-based platform, ALTIUS operates in multiple observation modes - including bright limb, solar occultation, and stellar occultation - allowing measurements during day, night, and eclipse conditions.
The ALTIUS team at ESA is organized into Instrument, Platform, and System sections. We work in a hands-on environment, typical of small missions, where collaboration and adaptability are key. This structure ensures close interaction between all engineers and scientists involved in the mission.

You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will gain hands-on experience in the ALTIUS mission by working alongside experienced engineers and scientists. Your activities will focus on learning through practical involvement and contribute to ongoing developments:

• Explore modelling techniques for ALTIUS End-to-End performance, emphasizing instrument behaviour and on-ground data processing.
• Learn how to apply an internally developed End-to-End simulator to independently validate Level 1 performance.
• Develop software to independently assess the quality of on-ground calibration measurements and products.
• Gain experience in calibration data processing by supporting the development of software that transforms raw on-ground calibration measurements into products that allow the processing of in-flight observations into Level 1 outputs.
• Apply calibration data to validate simulation models, including both instrument and ground-processor modules, using internally and/or industry-developed End-to-End performance simulators.
• Participate in independent validation activities for in-flight Level 1 performance, including the review and post-processing of in-flight calibration plans and datasets to ensure scientific accuracy.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in Physics or Engineering with strong optical and data processing background.

Additional requirements

Knowledge of programming languages such as Python would be beneficial.
Experience in data processing would be beneficial.
Experience in mathematical modelling of optical, instrumental or detector effects would be beneficial.

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. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.