ESA Graduate Trainee in RF Material Characterisation for Large Space Antennas

Our team and mission

The Section covers space antenna systems, space vehicle TT&C antennas, user segment terminal antennas, and submillimetre wave instruments and associated technologies. More specifically, it deals with:

• The analysis and characterisation of antenna systems as well as interference effects among antennas, with the spacecraft structure or with other platforms (such as aircraft, trains or vehicles).
• The design, analysis and engineering of all antenna sub-systems, including standalone radiators, arrays, reflector and lens optics and their associated focal plane.
• Submillimetre instrument architecture, engineering and testing activities as well as antenna, front-end technology (e.g. quasi-optic multi-frequency, heterodyne receivers) and component (e.g. mixers, multipliers) developments.
• Coordination on all aspects of antenna and submillimetre wave devices.
• RF modelling and design tool developments for all kinds of standalone antennas and antenna interactions (e.g. parasitic effect on the radiation performance, coupling among antenna ports) for spacecraft or other platforms (such as aircraft, trains and vehicles).
• The testing of the radiative performance of antennas, payloads and instruments, both in standalone mode and in relevant environments.
• The characterisation of the RF properties of materials.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

BATMAN and Beyond: Expanding ESA’s Mesh Testing Superpowers

Why this project matters
Large deployable reflector antennas are key for future space missions, enabling high-performance communication across multiple frequency bands. At the heart of their design is the reflective mesh: a lightweight, flexible material whose RF performance depends on precise tensioning. ESA’s BATMAN (Bi-Axial Tensioning Manipulator) is a unique and state of the art system that applies controlled tension in two axes to these meshes, allowing engineers to study how tension affects reflectivity. Currently, BATMAN works in combination with RF measurements in a Microwave Material RF Characterization Test Facility from 6 GHz to 50 GHz.
But what about lower frequencies? Missions operating in L- and S-bands (around 1–6 GHz) are becoming increasingly important. Extending BATMAN’s capabilities to cover this range will give ESA a complete picture of mesh performance across all relevant frequencies.

Your mission as an EGT

• Check that BATMAN is in top shape: Perform functional checks, calibrate its tensioning system, and ensure accurate, repeatable operation.
• Push the boundaries: Adapt the RF measurement setup to include 1–6 GHz, complementing the current 6–50 GHz range.
• Experiment and analyze: Run tests to see how mesh reflectivity changes with tension across the full spectrum (1–50 GHz).
• Innovate and recommend: Use your findings to propose improvements for BATMAN and future reflector designs.

What you’ll learn and contribute

• Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art mechanical and RF testing equipment.
• Deep understanding of antenna technology for space applications.
• Skills in data analysis, calibration, and experimental design.
• A chance to impact ESA missions by improving tools that shape next-generation space communication systems.

Why it’s exciting
This is not just a validation exercise—it’s about extending ESA’s capabilities. You’ll work at the intersection of mechanical engineering, RF testing, and space technology, contributing to solutions that will fly on future missions.

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 Electrical Engineering.

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.