ESA Graduate Trainee in Development and tuning of AI supported Ariane 6 intranet knowledge database

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Paris; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading space organization in Paris is seeking a Graduate Trainee to work on the development and tuning of an AI-supported knowledge database for the Ariane 6 launcher system. Responsibilities include benchmarking AI prototypes, ensuring compliance with quality requirements, and collaborating with various teams. Ideal candidates should have a master's degree in science (aerospace or computer science) and possess good interpersonal and communication skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in the space sector.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience gained during internships or project work.
• General knowledge of the space sector and its activities.
• Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects.

Responsabilités

• Benchmarking of AI RAG prototype for computation performance.
• Implementing AI RAG prototype within the ESA framework.
• Conducting tests of the prototype to check compliance.

Connaissances

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Curiosity

Formation

Master's degree in science (aerospace or computer science)

Description du poste

ESA Graduate Trainee in Development and tuning of AI supported Ariane 6 intranet knowledge database

Job Requisition ID: 20178

Date Posted: 1 February 2026

Closing Date: 28 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Within the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (D/STS), and in the Flight Programmes Department (STS-P), ESA STS-AA acts as procuring entity for the Ariane 6 Launcher System, in its different versions, developed by ArianeGroup.

In particular, the ESA Launcher System team is in charge of the technical and programmatic implementation of the Ariane 6 programmes, including Ariane 6 launcher development, its evolutions through Competitiveness Improvement and Product Adaptation, the Exploitation Accompaniment Programme (LEAP), and for the overall technical coherence of Ariane at Launcher System level.

The team is also in charge of Ariane 6 Exploitation monitoring as set out in the framework of the Launcher Exploitation Agreement, the objective of which is to perform risk assessment in the framework of launch mission completion by the launch service provider, Arianespace.

These tasks require easy access to technical information and associated technical knowledge management.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

Your tasks will be to take over the ongoing project and perform tasks including:

• benchmarking of AI RAG prototype accounting for computation performance requirements, and adequacy of solution provided, with ESA AI specialists;
• implementation of AI RAG prototype within the ESA framework accounting for security and ESA system performances;
• conducting further tests of the prototype to check compliance with ESA requirements;
• upon satisfactory outcomes, supporting GUI development with supplier;
• initial database enrichment with relevant technical information (based on predefined technical content);
• preparing coordination with the team for continuous enrichment, keeping it updated on development and further exploitation; communication with other ESA directorates with a view to possible cooperation

The tool aims to provide easy access to the Launcher System technical data and associated technical memory in order to capitalise on development experience in support of coming exploitation and identify common technologies, material, processes applicable to other Launchers/Launch Base systems.

Depending on the development of this task, extension of the work in support of Ariane 6 Exploitation Monitoring can also be envisaged.

Knowledge and experience

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

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in science (aerospace or computer science).

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:

• You will interact within the Launcher System team. Flexibility and autonomy is an asset, as well as curiosity and interest in the technical domains.

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 [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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 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.