Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Thermal Division is the centre of competence of the Agency in all areas related to thermal engineering, covering development (R&D), design and verification. Within this frame, the Thermal Control Section is in charge of all thermal control aspects for the support to projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies, and the Thermal Analysis & Verification Section is the focal point for analysis methodologies, software tools and experimental/test services executed in the Mechanical Systems Laboratory.
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Thermal_Control
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
As an ESA Graduate Trainee in the Thermal Control Section, you will have the opportunity to be involved with:
Thermal Design & Analysis: Perform thermal design and associated analysis, including steady state/transient analyses of instrument and satellites following familiarization with project requirements and Agency’s tools (ESATAN-TMS). This may also include in-flight correlation of thermal analysis models for ESA projects.
Cryogenics: Investigate cryogenic technologies (active and passive coolers) for applications in future ESA spacecraft and launchers
Heat Transfer & Heat Rejection: Investigate heat transport technologies such as capillary and mechanically pumped two-phase loops, single-phase loops, heat pipes for thermal control
Thermal Protection: Investigate thermal protection technologies (both – re-usable and ablative) for on-going and future missions (e.g. planetary exploration and sample return missions) and re-usable launchers
Generic thermal control technologies: Investigate innovative and advanced technologies for the Thermal Control Subsystem e.g. tunable infrared emittance coatings with electrochromic-based solutions, phase-change materials, heat pumps, etc. Investigate specific thermal technologies for small satellites and CubeSats
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 Mechanical Engineering or Physics
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.
You should also have:
Specific required knowledge and interest are different, depending on the field of activity selected: 1. to 5. Physics, thermal / mechanical engineering university degree or equivalent, with basic knowledge of thermodynamics, radiative and conductive heat transfer, cryogenics, fluid/thermal simulations, computer systems.
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
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.
