Young Graduate Trainee for Mission Studies for the Moon

The Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) Team of the Exploration Group  has a mandate to plan and implement preparatory system studies and technology development activities for all ESA exploration destinations, including LEO, Cis-lunar space, the Moon, Mars, and possibly other destinations.

The system studies can be divided in two categories:

• The Phase Zero/Pre-Phase A (Mission Concepts)

These activities are feasibility studies, mostly capability-oriented as opposed to mission- driven, and aim at establishing the architecture of a future mission campaign and narrowing down the system options that eventually will become subject of Phase A/B1 after a selection process.

• The Phase A/B1 type of studies (Mission Studies)

These activities aim at establishing, at their completion, the required level of readiness for initiating implementation  Phase B2/C/D/E development. These studies focus on a single mission.

The ExPert Team acts as a point of contact for technology preparation for the HRE  Directorate and for matters related to ESA’s Discovery, Preparation & Technology Development (DPTP) and General Support Technology (GSTP) Programme.

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

Working with the members of the architecture sector of the team, you will support the analysis and assessment of lunar exploration architectures and missions to be initiated in Period 2 of the Exploration Programme. You will also support the coherent preparation of critical technologies for lunar logistic capabilities in the framework of Cornerstone #3 (Moon). For this activity, you will be required to have a solid engineering or scientific background.

Furthermore, you will be immersed in (and expected to support) the work of the HERACLES–European Large Logistic Lander (EL3) and/or Cis-Lunar Transfer Vehicle (CLTV) teams in executing architectural studies.

These tasks include developing presentations and performing technical analysis using various tools available in the office (MATLAB, MS Excel, MS Project, CAD software).

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.

You should have solid background in engineering or science.

Experience with programming or modeling software such as Matlab/SIMULINK et similia would also be 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 be eager to acquire and maintain necessary knowledge, skills and judgment to accomplish results and improve work processes.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

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