ESA Graduate Trainee in the Electrical Propulsion Engineering
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicle Engineering Division is the focal point within ESA for all matters related to spacecraft- and launcher propulsion, aerothermodynamics of launchers and re-entry vehicles, as well as architectural and technology assessment of new flight vehicles.
In addition, the Division is responsible for the ESA Propulsion Laboratory, a unique facility in Europe offering opportunities for development and verification testing of propulsion components and subsystems.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
You will be working at the ESA Propulsion Lab as an Electric propulsion engineer, testing several electric propulsion systems (Hall Effect thrusters, Ion Engines, FEEPs) and learn the use of vacuum chambers, plasma diagnostics, thrust balances, etc. In addition,you will be integrated in a test team and will learn how to test electric propulsion systems in the space environment. Moreover, you will learn how to assess the test data and how to correlate this data with the models of the plasma plume required for the specific engine. Special attention will be given to the improvement of the lifetime of the different propulsion engines and the performance characterisation of different engines.
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, Electric Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
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.