Our team and mission

ExPeRT (Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology) is part of ESA’s European Exploration Envelope Programme (E3P), also named Terrae Novae. ExPeRT integrates, coordinates and manages the development of studies, research and technologies for future exploration missions to low-Earth orbit (LEO), Moon and Mars destinations.

Within our Department, the ExPeRT team oversees mission feasibility and system definition studies (Phase 0–B1). It is also responsible for the definition of technology requirements relevant to those mission studies, as well as implementation of technology research and development activities (technology readiness level (TRL) 2–5/6). The ExPeRT team works in partnership with ESA’s Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality  to define low-TRL exploration-related research and technology activities to be carried out in the Discovery and Technology Development elements of the Discovery, Preparation and Technology Development (DPTD) programme.

You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int and the ExPeRT website: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Business_Opportunities/ExPeRT_Exploration_Preparation_Research_and_Technology

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The technology component of ExPeRT oversees the end-to-end technology process coordination and management within the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration: strategic planning and roadmapping, technology scouting and research, technology requirements and development activities, technology maturation and payload applications, and knowledge management.

As a Young Graduate Trainee, you will be involved in the definition of user needs and related technology requirements, definition of technology roadmaps, implementation monitoring of technology activities and maintenance of a compendium of technology activities for exploration. You will also be involved in the end-to-end technology process coordination and management for the three exploration destinations: LEO, Moon and Mars.

Your specific tasks will include:

• coordination of technology development needs for exploration missions (technology push/mission pull requirements) in the mission destinations (LEO, Moon and Mars);
• development of exploration technology roadmaps and contribution to mission technology development plans;
• contributing to the implementation of technology development activities;
• maintenance of the exploration technology database and compendium for LEO/Moon/Mars technologies;
• scheduling and planning of exploration technologies;
• monitoring and coordinating reporting tasks for technology activities;
• participating in technology working groups;
• preparing outreach material.

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 an Engineering discipline.

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.

Specific knowledge of some technologies for exploration would be considered beneficial (e.g. propulsion, life support systems, robotics, ISRU).

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.