ESA Graduate Trainee in System Engineering for Future Space Transportation

Our team and mission As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation, the Future Space Transportation Preparation team (under the FLPP programme) accompanies European firms in maturing, demonstrating and applying the key enabling capabilities and technologies for space transportation – covering access to space, transport in space, and return from space. The Future Space Transportation Beyond LEO unit (STS-FL) works on diverse emerging topics such as in-space transportation (e.g. space logistics, in-space transportation vehicles, advanced in-space propulsion and orbital refilling infrastructures), sustainability for space transportation (e.g. lifecycle assessment), software-centred technologies for space transportation (e.g. AI, digitalisation, digital twins, etc.), among others.

The role Joining the System team of the ESA Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, you will provide valuable support on synthesising future Space Transportation System studies, with focus on dual-use (civil and security & defence) technologies, coming from the Agency and a wide range of industrial stakeholders (large systems integrators, space products suppliers, start-ups…) and market analyses to shape the vision of future dual-use space transportation; identifying key trends, disruptive technologies, promising space concepts, and relevant demonstration opportunities feeding this vision with a focus on environmental impact; preparing future dual-use space transportation roadmaps, at the crossroads between system studies, technology maturations and demonstrator integration, to unfold this vision within ESA and with the SpaceTech sector in Europe; carrying out internal studies using ESA tools; consolidating an internal database for European stakeholders who could contribute to this roadmap implementation; coordinating with different ESA teams as part of ongoing projects, including reviews; FLPP workshop and event organisation, as well as other public communications.

Job requirements You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s in a technical or scientific discipline, with a background in the field of aerospace engineering with good understanding or motivation for dual-use applications. Experience of working within, or education related to, the security and defence domain is a plus. Good interpersonal and communication skills are required, and you 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.

Benefits During your EGT experience, you will develop your skills on Space Systems Engineering and Project Management and benefit from an exceptional overview of the space transportation sector in Europe.