ESA Graduate Trainee in Argonaut Missions System Engineering

Our team and mission

This EGT opportunity is within the Argonaut Team. Argonaut represents Europe’s autonomous, versatile and reliable access to the Moon. From the 2030s, Argonaut landers will be launched on four-booster Ariane 6 rockets. Argonaut Mission 1 would launch by the end of 2030 and demonstrate Europe's end-to-end capability of landing on the Moon's south polar region. Argonaut Mission 2 studies preparation is on-going.

Further details can be found at: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/Argonaut_Europe_s_lunar_lander_programme

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a member of the “Argonaut” team, you will be working in developing the comprehensive system model for mission, using Model-Based Systems Engineering. This model will be essential for understanding and managing how different mission parts interact and connect. Your effort will play a key role in planning and carrying out Argonaut missions, giving you practical experience in space systems engineering.

Key Activities:

1. System Modelling:
   Develop comprehensive models that represent the architecture and components of lunar missions, utilising specialised tools to construct scalable models that address mission objectives.
2. Requirements Management:
   Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and manage both system and interface requirements, ensuring all criteria are systematically linked to the model for robust traceability.
3. Interface Definition:
   Identify and incorporate mechanical, electrical, thermal, and data interfaces within the model, facilitating effective integration and seamless interaction among subsystems and payloads.
4. Collaboration and Documentation:
   Engage with multidisciplinary teams and thoroughly document the modelling workflow and processes.
5. Testing and Validation:
   Support testing activities to verify that the model satisfies all defined requirements and refine the model in response to test outcomes.
    

During this work experience, you will gain hands-on experience in systems engineering, focusing on model development and requirements management. You will strengthen your ability to collaborate with diverse teams and enhance your skills in creating and validating complex system models for space 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 Aerospace or relevant industrial 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. 

Knowledge and background in system engineering and model-based system engineering is an asset.