ESA Graduate Trainee in Aerothermodynamics Engineering
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Section is part of ESA’s Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Section provides expertise and functional support to ESA projects and carries out technology research & development on flight vehicles, flight physics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and fluidic engineering. The Section is also the focal point for the architecture design, analysis and technical assessment of flight vehicles, including suborbital, (re-)entry, space transportation and exploration vehicles.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
Rarefied gas dynamics plays a critical role in the design and operation of spacecraft systems, particularly in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) environments where traditional continuum assumptions break down. Accurate modelling of gas-surface interactions is essential for predicting aerodynamic behaviour, thermal loads on VLEO satellite intake systems. In addition, rarefied gas dynamics and gas-surface interaction also plays a role for outgassing and contamination analysis of traditional satellites in orbit.
To address these challenges, particle-based simulation methods such as the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach are widely used. Within the section, DSMC codes are used and developed to support projects in atmospheric entry, aerocapture, and satellite contamination (e.g. outgassing, plume impingement). Further improvement of the models and tools is key to improve the simulation fidelity for current and future missions.
Different tasks could be envisaged for the successful candidate, based on experience and the candidate’s interests:
- Comparison and cross-validation of internal with open-source DSMC codes
- Simulations and analysis of gas-surface interaction of VLEO spacecraft and/or satellite outgassing
- Development and validation of new gas-surface interaction models (e.g. Maxwell, Cercignani-Lampis-Lord (CLL)) in existing DSMC codes
- Improvement and modernisation of heritage DSMC codes, including pre- and post-processing and interface routines
Technical competencies
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 should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or similar.
Additional requirements
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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be 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, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
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.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.