Our team and mission

As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), the Future Space Transportation team (STS-F, including the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme - FLPP) is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. It is therefore responsible, among others, for:

• conducting system studies and establishing Technology Roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines;
• supporting the assessment of proper coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation;
• preparing new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP);
• leading the implementation of the FLPP Technology Roadmaps, including the maturation of key technologies for future space transportation (Avionics & GNC, Structures Materials and Processes, Propulsion and Modelling & Simulation) and development of demonstrators (such as Prometheus and Themis).

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Launcher Propulsion Technology Maturation Project Support

As part of your role, you will give project support in the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. This includes:

• support to the THRUST! Initiative – preparation of the next open call; organisation of online and in-person events as needed;   
• support to the FIRST! Propulsion Initiative – support to project management of ongoing projects; preparation of next calls - if applicable and not necessarily only limited to Propulsion, support may be requested on calls linked to other launcher technologies; organisation of on-line and in-person events as needed;   
• support to the Access to Space Club - organisation of online and in-person events as needed;
• identification of best practices and improvements in Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes;
• technical analysis of proposals according to FLPP criteria and procedures, with a large part in liquid propulsion;
• management and regular update of FLPP databases, namely of technology evaluation/roadmapping and European space companies intelligence gathering, with a focus on new space companies in Europe with a significant activity in propulsion;
• support to FLPP knowledge management processes; standardisation and simplification of project management processes including use of/creation of efficient tools for management;
• participation in and reporting on launcher technology and research meetings and workshops in order to assess potential technologies and identify potential providers.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

• knowledge and background in space, specifically space transportation vehicle, propulsion is a strong asset;
• knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is a strong asset;
• knowledge of the Space Transportation industry is an asset.