ESA Graduate Trainee in Propulsion Test Facilities Project Support and European Space Transport HUB

Our team and mission

Both the Propulsion Test Facilities and services and the organisation of the HUB are managed within the Infrastructure and Value Chain Department in the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation.

• The Propulsion Test Facilities and Services team ensures the maintenance in operational condition of ESA-owned engine test facilities operated by private and public actors in Europe and French Guiana. It has elaborated strategic recommendations to optimise the use of these facilities, including their opening up towards new space players.
• The European Space Transportation HUB is an ESA and CNES endeavour aimed at:
  • gathering together all relevant and interested space actors, in particular NewSpace ones;
  • promoting innovation and synergies;
  • proposing conferences and workshops on topics selected by / interesting to its members;
  • preparing future generations of services in terms of space transportation.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a Trainee, you will report to the Head of Propulsion Test Facilities and Services and to the European Space Transportation HUB Manager.

Under the supervision of the Head of the Propulsion Test Facilities and Services and of the European Space Transportation HUB Manager, you will:

• implement the actions derived from ESA strategy regarding New Space Propulsion Tests and support further activities in the Propulsion test bench sector;
• support the development, by ESA and CNES, of the freshly created European Space Transportation HUB.

Along these two lines, you will work in a very exciting international environment, dealing with a wide range of activities, and develop knowledge of test facilities, project management and develop initiative/business development skills. You will have the opportunity to pioneer new approaches in the European space transportation sector, involving both public and private entities while fostering cross business between the potential partners. Your contribution to Propulsion Test activities will be particularly relevant for supporting themed working groups in the framework of the HUB, the topic being potentially a good pilot case for a first HUB working group.

More specifically your activities will include:

• learning about the functions of a Propulsion Test Facility, understanding ESA’s role in Propulsion Tests as well as ESA’s strategy on Propulsion Test Facilities for New Space;
• evaluating together with test bench operators and New Space primes the best way forward for Europe, identifying short- and long-term actions – e.g. buy vs. rent assets / internet page development / network of experts / harmonisation & standardisation of equipment and interfaces / new approaches;
• initiating and following up new activities regarding new test bench technologies, greening of the benches, equipment rental;
• adapting the Test Bench Strategy in coherence with the exchanges of launcher primes, test bench operators (supporting the Test Bench Strategy File);
• managing the progress of the action plan with the different stakeholders (Test Bench Operators, New Space primes, ESA interfaces) in a project mode (schedule, risks, costs, reporting);
• helping to develop in close coordination with CNES the most appropriate model to bring together in the HUB European space transportation actors so as to build on the synergies generated by the proximity of stakeholders, and to promote innovation through the sharing of means, practices and expertise;
• identifying the services that would bring value to space transportation companies and organisations, boost the overall European space economy, and raise the attractiveness of the European space ecosystem;
• organising or following up workshops and conferences;
• drafting organisational documents, and organising events in coordination with CNES for the HUB;
• bringing innovative, disruptive and out-of-the-box ideas.

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 international cooperation, international communication related matters, or interdisciplinary space studies.

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:

• Competences in the field of mechanics, fluid-dynamics, electronics as well as coding (Python) are appreciated.