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Unique opportunity to kickstart your career in space technology as a Junior Professional with European Space Agency's 2025 cohort
Overview
Salary No salary declared 😔
Location Darmstadt, DE
Expires Expires at anytime
The European Space Agency (ESA) is a pioneering space organisation dedicated to the peaceful exploration and use of space. The Optical Technologies Section, a part of the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department is seeking passionate candidates with 2–3 years of relevant professional experience for their Junior Professional Programme. This 4-year assignment provides a unique opportunity to work on groundbreaking space technology projects for a successful career at ESA. Role Summary: - Manage the development of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) receivers for optical ground stations - Engage in the system engineering of free-space optical and quantum communication systems - Support Quantum Key Distribution optical ground station technology definition and associated pre-development activities - Conduct research studies in the field of quantum optical communication Role Requirements: - A Master's degree in physics, quantum technology, optical communication engineering or a related field - 2-3 years of professional experience in a relevant domain - Eligibility to access information subject to European or US export control, sanctions regulations and security clearance - Proficient in English or French. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset Application Process Details: - Candidates must be nationals of specific states as outlined in the job details - The selection process involves appearing for selection tests if required by the Agency - Successful applicants will undergo basic screening conducted by an external background screening service in compliance with ESA's security procedures
This post is part of ESA’s Junior Professional Programme. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates with up to 2–3 years of relevant professional experience after their Master's degree to join ESA for a four-year assignment. During this time, you will be actively working and learning on the job and will benefit from valuable mobility and developmental opportunities that will prepare you for a successful career at ESA. Subject to performance, it is therefore the intention to offer you an indefinite contract which will start at the end of the four years.
The selection process for the 2025 cohort of Junior Professionals will take place during Spring 2025, with a projected start date in October or November 2025. Recruitment will take place at the A1 grade. At the end of the fourth year and if you are offered an indefinite contract at the end of your Junior Professional assignment, you will be upgraded to the A2 grade.
This Junior Professional position will be in the Optical Technologies Section, which is part of the Ground Station Engineering Division of the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department of the Directorate of Operations. The Optical Technologies Section develops optical ground systems for space applications with a focus on optical ground stations. The developed systems are used for various applications, ranging from deep-space (quantum) optical communication and satellite laser ranging to laser-based active space debris removal.
As a Junior Professional, your initial tasks and responsibilities will include: managing and supervising the development of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) receivers for optical ground stations, initially in support to the Technical Officer and, subsequently, gradually taking over that role; system engineering of free-space optical and quantum communication systems, for example link budgets, subsystem selection and TRL analysis; supporting Quantum Key Distribution optical ground station technology definition and associated pre-development activities; conducting internal and external studies in the field of quantum optical communication.
In addition to your daily work, you will take part in an extensive learning and development programme. From day one, you will learn on the job and benefit from tailored development opportunities, including participation in technical and key skills training courses. Furthermore, there is a mobility component to the Junior Professional Programme that may consist of either an internal rotation to another team within ESA, an external secondment outside of ESA, or a combination of both.
You should have between two and three years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant domain, obtained following completion of your master's degree. A master's degree in physics, quantum technology, optical communication engineering or a related field is required.
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.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations. 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.
Please note that applications are only 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. 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.
