ESA Graduate Trainee in Radio Frequency Propagation and Radio Science

Job Description:

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

The Ground Station Systems Division of ESA is in charge of the design, development and deployment of ground station equipment. The Division provides essential ground station support for cutting-edge scientific missions, ensuring state-of-the-art performance. As part of the commitment to developing the next generation of space professionals, the Division offers a unique traineeship opportunity for aspiring engineers and scientists passionate about space and technology.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The traineeship concerns ground station radiometric systems and their applications in radio science and interferometric measurements. During the traineeship, you will analyse the effects of tropospheric propagation on radiometric performance and will contribute to the testing and characterisation of advanced ground station systems.

The traineeship will include hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge space technologies, as well as the opportunity to play a key role in supporting high-precision tracking for ESA scientific missions.

Key responsibilities:

Tropospheric propagation analysis:
* Studying and modelling the effects of tropospheric propagation on radiometric and interferometric measurements
* Developing tools and techniques in support of the above study
* Analysing data from ground station experiments

Support for radio science and interferometry:
* Assisting in configuring ground station systems for radio science and interferometric measurements
* Collaborating with mission teams to support data acquisition and processing

Testing and characterisation activities:
* Participating in ground station system testing, calibration and performance evaluation
* Supporting characterisation of antennas and radio frequency systems.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master' s degree in engineering, physics, telecommunications, or a related field.

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. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.

Knowledge of radio frequency systems, signal processing or atmospheric science would be an asset.
Analytical skills with a solid foundation in mathematics and physics are expected.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

The information published on ESA's careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States