Our team and mission

The Systems Engineering Division of the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality is responsible for the following main activities: 

• Providing cost engineering support, tools and estimates for ESA projects; 
• Providing systems engineering support for projects in various phases of development; 
• Conducting R&D activities related to systems engineering methodologies and tools;
• Managing and providing technical support for small spacecraft projects for technology demonstrations, including preparatory activities (feasibility studies, pre-developments, etc.); 
• Managing and providing technical support for small projects for in-orbit technology demonstrations (instruments, payloads, etc.);
• Managing the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) and performing Phase 0 and support activities for ESA projects.

In particular, the Systems and Concurrent Engineering Section is responsible for the following main activities: 

• Managing the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) and performing Phase 0 studies to assess the feasibility of future ESA missions; 
• Providing systems engineering support for ESA programmes and projects in various phases of development; 
• Conducting R&D activities related to systems engineering methodologies and tools; 
• Providing technical support for small spacecraft projects for technology demonstrations and/or education, including preparatory activities (feasibility studies, pre-developments, etc.); 
• Designing and developing models, databases, tools, architectures to support and enhance systems engineering practices, methodologies and applications across disciplines, project phases and organisations.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a Young Graduate Trainee, you will be actively involved in:

• multidisciplinary engineering activities, including the feasibility assessment and conceptual design of future space missions;
• systems engineering support for space mission studies in the Concurrent Design Facility;
• the development of engineering tools, models and databases for use within the CDF infrastructure and in support of the concurrent engineering approach, including the infusion of novel technology (e.g. AI, AR/VR, MBSE, etc.); 
• technology developments and R&D that explore novel methods and processes aiming to improve systems engineering practices;
• other systems and project activities, depending on incoming requests and your specific technical background and motivation.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your Master’ s degree in aerospace (systems) engineering or a related field (such as electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering or mechanical engineering).

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.

Preferably, you should have an aerospace engineering background and/or specialisation in systems engineering, mission analysis and/or other systems-related disciplines.
Experience in the use of engineering tools (e.g. MatLab, Catia, etc.) and office automation software (e.g. Microsoft Office), as well as in visual systems modelling and design tools (e.g. Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect, Cameo Systems Modeler/ Magic Draw, Capella, GENESYS, etc.) 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.

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