Noordwijk (Netherlands)
ESA Graduate Trainee in Opto-electronics and Quantum Engineering
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Optoelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of optoelectronic device technologies and applications.
In particular, the Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.
The Section is staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and offers a unique opportunity to contribute on the challenges related to optoelectronic technologies needed for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
The section is developing laboratory test setups and simulation tools in the areas of imaging detectors, optical communication and quantum communication.
Depending on the your interests, technical competences and project constrains in 2026/27, you will support one or more of these developments by for example:
- Development of simulation tools for free-space optical or quantum communication systems
- Testbed development of advanced spaceborne optoelectronic applications (for optical or quantum communication, optical detectors and/or lasers)
- Integration and commissioning of upgraded laser induced contamination characterization setup
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 degree in physics or a relevant engineering discipline
Additional requirements
Knowledge and background in working with optical laboratory setups (incl. lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition or experience in programming & modelling (eg. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD, is an asset.
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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, 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.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
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).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
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.
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