Young Graduate Trainee for Telecom Satellite Sizing and Analysis

The Technology and Products Division within ESA’s Directorate of Telecommunications & Integrated Applications manages a large number of technology and product development activities targeting the commercial satellite telecommunications market. These are carried out with industrial partners under the auspices of the ARTES Core Competitiveness (ARTES CC) Programme Element, with the objective of increasing the global competitiveness of ESA Member States’ industry. This includes establishing annual work plans to define and develop the technology needed to enable the satellite telecommunication systems of the future.

The Trainee will work within the Space Segment Section of the Division. This is responsible for all space technology and product development carried out under ARTES CC.

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

Comparing different options for implementing satellite telecommunication payloads involves a complex trade-off of many factors, such as platform size, mass, power supply and thermal dissipation capabilities. In turn, this influences available launcher options, and hence cost, and can constrain payload design. When considering the introduction of new technology, it is important to obtain a complete view of the impact at overall system level, including both technical and commercial considerations.

This position will require the Trainee to develop a good understanding of a variety of telecommunication satellite designs, both current and future, as well as the underlying technology (e.g. thermal management subsystem, propulsion, electrical generation, etc.), technology trends and cost models. The opportunity will provide the Trainee with a solid grounding in satellite systems engineering. The Trainee will be expected to interact with internal experts in ESA. Opportunities for interaction with industry experts are also anticipated. 

The core of the work is to develop and validate parametric models that quantify the variation of key platform parameters (e.g. mass, thermal rejection, cost) as a function of payload capability, including break points at which, for example, deployable thermal radiators become necessary, or electric propulsion becomes mandatory. These models will be invaluable to ESA when assessing the potential impact and benefits of future technologies for the satellite telecommunications market. 

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of a university course at Master’s level (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific discipline.  An educational background in satellite systems engineering would be an asset.

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.　

In addition, you should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. 　

During the interview your motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.