Our team and mission

The ESA ALTIUS Altius space mission is aimeds at the development, launch and operations of a limb sounder instrument based on a small satellite. The mMain mission objective is tohe monitoring of the distribution and evolution of stratospheric ozone at high vertical resolution. Secondary objectives include the extension ofextending the observations into other parts of the atmosphere and covering the measurement of the concentration vertical profiles of other atmospheric species, as well as aerosol extinction vertical profiles. It The mission embarks deploys a versatile optical Instrument instrument intended to image the Earth’s limb in the near- UV, vVisible and nNear- iInfrared spectral regions, in combination with an agile platform based on the PROBA bus, ensuring a small, autonomous, multimode mission for atmospheric observations in multiple sounding geometries. Observation modes include bright limb, solar and stellar occultation.

Our ESA Teamteam, composed of three Sections (Instrument, System and Platform), is a versatile group encompassing of engineers and scientists. We are a rather agile group characterised by internal cohesion and a strong sense for of a common goal.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will, as a Young Graduate Trainee, contribute to:
a)    modelling activities relating to Altius instrument performances (under the direct authority of the Altius Instrument Section); a detailed MATLAB-based model of the Altius instrument is available as an outcome of the previous YGT programme (2021–2023). This model requires continuous improvements, maintenance and gradual updates with “as-built” hardware data in order to allow for regular re-evaluation of the instrument’s most critical geometric, radiometric and spectral L0 performances;

b)    executing cross-validations of the industry-developed System Performance Simulator (in collaboration with the Altius System Section): this activity consists in supporting a campaign of cross-validations whenever major deliveries of updated instrument configuration files are made to the System Performance Simulator to ensure consistency of the input provided with a view to establishing L1 performances;

c)    simulating selected on-ground calibration with the System Performance Simulator: this activity is aimed at gaining confidence in the envisaged instrument on-ground calibration campaign;

d)    supporting the Altius System Section in the in-flight calibration and validation strategy definition and simulations with the System Performance Simulator and the End-to-End Performance Simulator: the aim of this activity is to assess and evaluate the technical and scientific approaches proposed by the various Principal Investigators (PIs) for the instrument and system in-flight calibration and geophysical validation of the Altius atmospheric products.

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 in optical or aerospace engineering (with a strong optical and, possibly, atmospheric data processing background).

Additional requirements

Optical engineering, specifically focusing on optical systems performance modelling and simulation aspects, is considered a strong asset. Experience in observational data processing algorithms for optical instruments for atmosphere science missions is also an asset.

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.

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.