Noordwijk (Netherlands)
ESA Graduate Trainee in Exploration Studies: Systems Engineering and Mission Architecture
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
ExPeRT (Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology) is part of ESA’s Terrae Novae Exploration Programme. It integrates, coordinates, and manages the development of studies and technologies for future Exploration missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), Moon and Mars destinations.
Under the Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, the ExPeRT Team (HRE-E) conducts the assessment studies and technology preparation activities of future ESA exploration missions in the early phases (0, A, B1). The exploration missions currently being prepared include missions to Mars, the Moon and LEO destinations and this post could cover studies in any of these destinations.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int and in particular also the ExPeRT website: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Business_Opportunities/ExPeRT_Exploration_Preparation_Research_and_Technology
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
The ExPeRT team conducts Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) studies, internal ESA studies and Phase 0/A/B1 industrial studies on a wide range of topics and mission concepts will be subject to further iteration and study in the next years to prepare for future mission implementation decisions by ESA member states. In addition to working on a self-chosen topic of their choice, you will have the opportunity to directly support the future study activities that will be on-going or starting at the time of appointment.
Activities identified where you could play a role in maturing such concepts as well as other new concepts in support of ESA’s future exploration mission planning, while working alongside experienced engineers and scientists are:
- Early phase mission architecture design and trajectory analysis;
- Development of (study) tools and new approaches to the presentation of study outputs to external audiences.
- Mission concept and mission profile trade-offs;
- Definition and/or review of payload, system and mission requirements;
- Analysis of spacecraft design and related system budgets;
- Studies of instrument accommodation at spacecraft level;
- Mission related Technology Development.
The precise area of work you would undertake would be determined together with you at the start of the traineeship and will depend on the Programme needs as well as your skill and interests. However, it is currently expected that the subject of mission architecture analysis and system engineering will be a core part of the work.
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 an engineering discipline.
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.
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 or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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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