ESA Graduate Trainee in System Engineering for Future Space Transportation

Our team and mission

As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation, the Future Space Transportation Preparation team (under the FLPP programme) accompanies European firms in maturing, demonstrating and applying the key enabling capabilities and technologies for space transportation – covering access to space, transport in space, and return from space.

The Future Space Transportation Beyond LEO unit (STS-FL) works on diverse emerging topics such as in-space transportation (e.g. space logistics, in-space transportation vehicles, advanced in-space propulsion and orbital refilling infrastructures), sustainability for space transportation (e.g. lifecycle assessment), software-centred technologies for space transportation (e.g. AI, digitalisation, digital twins, etc.), among others.

To do so, the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department:

• performs systems studies on future space transportation, market studies of the SpaceTech sector and new concepts studies, to better respond to future European institutional needs and to increase the competitiveness of the European space transportation sector;
• matures key technologies for future space transportation (on avionics and guidance-navigation-control, structures and processes, propulsion, modelling and simulation),
• and building Demonstrators (Prometheus engine, Themis reusable first stage, reusable upper-stage, in-space transportation in-orbit demonstration…) to integrate and validate the relevant technologies and demonstrate new space capabilities.

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the following website: https://spacetransportation.esa.int/flpp/

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

In Europe, building robust dual-use space logistics (including to-, in- and from-space transportation) is a keystone of the development of technologies for future space transportation systems. Connection with the security and defence sector ensures robust medium-term demand and maximises synergies with ongoing technology development in Europe.

Joining the System team of the ESA Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, you will provide valuable support on:

• synthesising future Space Transportation System studies, with focus on dual-use (civil and security & defence) technologies, coming from the Agency and a wide range of industrial stakeholders (large systems integrators, space products suppliers, start-ups…) and market analyses to shape the vision of future dual-use space transportation;
• identifying key trends, disruptive technologies, promising space concepts, and relevant demonstration opportunities feeding this vision with a focus on environmental impact;
• preparing future dual-use space transportation roadmaps, at the crossroads between system studies, technology maturations and demonstrator integration, to unfold this vision within ESA and with the SpaceTech sector in Europe;
• carrying out internal studies using ESA tools;
• consolidating an internal database for European stakeholders who could contribute to this roadmap implementation;
• coordinating with different ESA teams as part of ongoing projects, including reviews;
• FLPP workshop and event organisation, as well as other public communications.

You will work with a large degree of autonomy, accessing inputs as relevant, and liaising dynamically with your tutor to report your progress, overcome potential difficulties, and set your priorities for next steps.

You will deploy an analytical and synthetical mind, able to harness the complexity of multidisciplinary space systems and steer your work and added-value to achieve your goals with high standards.

During your EGT experience, you will develop your skills on Space Systems Engineering and Project Management and benefit from an exceptional overview of the space transportation sector in Europe.

As a team player, you will contribute to the success of your team by bringing a combination of technical expertise and collaborative skills. You will be able to deal with different international stakeholders, different Agency departments, and the industrial sector.

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 recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s in a technical or scientific discipline, with a background in the field of aerospace engineering with good understanding or motivation for dual-use applications.

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

You should also have:

• Experience of working within, or education related to, the security and defence domain is a plus.
• During the interview motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.