Young Graduate Trainee for Space Transportation Technology Harmonisation

Within the European Space Agency, the Directorate of Space Transportation is responsible for formulating the ESA space transportation strategy, as well as for defining and executing the ESA space transportation programmes. The top level objectives of the Directorate for Space Transportation are guaranteeing access to space for Europe, enabling research and technologies in preparation for future space transportation systems and missions, as well as enabling new space transportation services.

In order to achieve these objectives, the Directorate of Space Transportation is working closely with all relevant actors in the European space sector. Coordination and harmonisation of space activities serves the common goal of ensuring European space transportation remains a world-class, state-of-the art business.

Within the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation, the Space Transportation Technology Coordination Office is tasked with improving the linking and exchange between all players engaged in the development of space transportation technologies. The objective is to streamline European space transportation technology development activities, and to create synergies, wherever possible and appropriate. The Technology Coordination Office stimulates collaboration between the different ESA sites and directorates, fosters exchange and coordination with the national space agencies, as well as with the European Commission and space transportation firms, from start-ups and small and medium enterprises to the large system integrators.

In order to ensure this European harmonisation and coordination, ESA uses a number of tools and processes. The Space Transportation Technology Coordination Office is looking for support from a young graduate trainee to improve the involvement of space transportation technology development in this European harmonisation process.

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

In preparing the development of future space transportation systems, Europe is deeply involved in developing a wide range of technologies, demonstrators and building blocks for future applications in launchers and space transportation systems. Such preparatory activities cover a wide range of engineering disciplines. Typically, research and development is undertaken in the domains of system engineering, rocket propulsion, advanced structures, materials and processes, avionics and electrical design, guidance, navigation and control, software development, and many more.

ESA is strongly engaged with coordinating all European efforts in space technology development. For almost twenty years, ESA has led the European Space Technology Harmonisation Process with the objective of consolidating, coordinating and sharing technology development information across ESA, its Member States, the European Commission and industry. For this purpose, more than 50 technology domains are regularly monitored and mapped throughout the harmonisation process.

In the course of the traineeship, and with the aim of supporting the technology harmonisation process, you will be tracking space transportation technology trends and development activities across the world, throughout Europe and ESA, and in particular will:

• Investigate new technologies and trends in the worldwide space transportation sector, keeping a catalogue of critical technologies of interest to Europe
• Collect information on space transportation technology activities being conducted throughout all ESA programmes
• Support the European Space Technology Harmonisation Process in the domain of space transportation
• Support the ESA-wide technology management process and related roadmapping efforts
• Follow-up on the Space Engineering and Technology Final Presentation Days, organised by ESA/ESTEC
• Assist with the dissemination of information on ESA’s space transportation technology activities to the public

By covering such a wide range of technology activities, the trainee will obtain a broad insight into the technical field space transportation

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of a university course at Master's level (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific discipline. A degree in the field of engineering sciences with a focus on aerospace engineering is considered an asset.

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.

You should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.

During the interview your motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.