Return to jobs 
Exciting opportunity to pioneer space missions and experiment services with the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division
Overview
Salary No salary declared 😔
Location Darmstadt, DE
Expires Expires at anytime
Join the team that powers the design and implementation of mission operations and spacecraft operations for exciting Science and Space Safety programme missions, with the Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division (OPS-OA). As part of the GAIA and OPS-SAT Mission Operations Unit, your work will crucially contribute to the management and execution of in-flight experiments on OPS-SAT missions such as OPS-SAT VOLT, OPS-SAT ORIOLE and CyberCube. Your work will involve close collaboration with industry figures, experimenters, and the OPS-SAT Space Lab manager, while you focus on planning, testing, and mission execution.
Role Summary:
- Assist in the implementation of the OPS-SAT Space Lab experiment service.
- Follow development and testing of OPS-SAT missions VOLT, ORIOLE and CyberCube.
- Co-ordinate and plan experiments on these missions.
- Contribute to the operations of any OPS-SAT flying missions.
Role Requirements:
- Completion or nearing completion of a master's degree in a technical or scientific discipline.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Able to work independently and as a team.
- Experience working on a cubesat project, FPGA programming and/or optical communication is desired but not required.
The Astronomy and Fundamental Physics Missions Division (OPS-OA) is responsible for the design, implementation and operations of the mission operations ground segment and the spacecraft operations for Science and selected Space Safety programme missions in the area of operations, typically from start of phase B through in-flight commissioning to routine mission operations until the end of mission.
The GAIA and OPS-SAT Mission Operations Unit in OPS-OA is responsible (amongst others) for the operations the OPS-SAT Space Lab. The OPS-SAT Space Lab is responsible for managing and executing all the in-flight experiments that are carried out on OPS-SAT missions. An OPS-SAT mission is defined as a mission that allocates a certain amount of mission time to OPS-SAT Space Lab organised experiments.
The purpose of this activity will be to assist the OPS-SAT Space Lab manager in the implementation of the experiment service for the related OPS-SAT missions. You will be following the development and testing of the OPS-SAT VOLT, OPS-SAT ORIOLE and CyberCube space, ground and payload segment and at the same time assist in the co-ordination, planning and testing of the experiments on these missions. Advising the many experimenters and co-ordinating activities with industry will be key tasks.
You will also contribute to the operations of any OPS-SAT flying missions (e.g. PRETTY) performing mission planning, execution and post analysis etc.
As part of this traineeship programme you will also be introduced to area of mission operations. Depending upon your profile, this may also involve support to projects of other mission operations activities in the Division and Department.
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in a technical or scientific discipline. 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. Experience of working on a cubesat project, FPGA programming and/or optical communication is desirable.
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
