Young Graduate Trainee for Frequency Coordination

The Frequency Management Office within the Space Safety Office of the Directorate of Operations is responsible for managing the radio frequency spectrum of ESA missions. This involves coordinating ESA satellites with those of other organisations, coordinating the network of ESA Earth stations with terrestrial systems sharing the same frequency bands and conducting studies aimed at providing a stable frequency access scenario for in-orbit, currently under development and future satellites.

The Office is also responsible for registering ESA satellites and stations with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

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

As a YGT, you will be part of the Frequency Management Office and will assist it in the coordination with other space agencies or commercial operators, negotiations between ESA and the frequency regulator of the station host country and analysis of future ITU frequency allocations. You will be involved in the following activities:

• RF interference analysis and international coordination of ESA satellites both with other agencies and with commercial operators’ satellites and satellite constellations.
• Support to ITU filing of ESA satellites
• Domestic and international coordination of ESA’s deep space stations (in Spain, Argentina and Australia) with existing and planned terrestrial links
• Computation of terrestrial propagation losses around the ESA stations network (deep space and near-Earth) in various frequency bands and interference analysis with other systems under consideration in the same bands
• Support to studies for ITU decisions

In general, the tasks assigned will require familiarisation with ITU regulations and recommendations as well as with international standards for RF and modulation of satellite systems. This Traineeship opportunity will also require familiarisation with a suite of RF assessment software tools.

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, in particular in telecommunications engineering.

Basic knowledge of link budgets and propagation is considered 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.

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.