ESA Graduate Trainee in System Engineering for Future Space Transportation

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Paris; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading aerospace organization in Paris is seeking a Graduate Trainee in System Engineering for Future Space Transportation. The position focuses on supporting studies and analyses related to dual-use space technology. Candidates should hold a master's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field and possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in space systems engineering while contributing to European space transportation advancements.

Prestations

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Recently completed or final year in a technical/scientific discipline.
• General knowledge of the space sector.
• Experience in international teams is beneficial.

Responsabilités

• Support studies on future Space Transportation Systems.
• Identify disruptive technologies and promising space concepts.
• Prepare dual-use space transportation roadmaps.
• Coordinate with ESA teams for ongoing projects.

Connaissances

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Formation

Master's in aerospace engineering or related field

Description du poste

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ESA Graduate Trainee in System Engineering for Future Space Transportation

Job Requisition ID: 20179

Date Posted: 1 February 2026

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

As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation, the Future Space Transportation Preparation team (under the FLPP programme) accompanies European firms in maturing, demonstrating and applying the key enabling capabilities and technologies for space transportation – covering access to space, transport in space, and return from space.

The Future Space Transportation Beyond LEO unit (STS-FL) works on diverse emerging topics such as in-space transportation (e.g. space logistics, in-space transportation vehicles, advanced in-space propulsion and orbital refilling infrastructures), sustainability for space transportation (e.g. lifecycle assessment), software-centred technologies for space transportation (e.g. AI, digitalisation, digital twins, etc.), among others.

To do so, the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department:

• performs systems studies on future space transportation, market studies of the SpaceTech sector and new concepts studies, to better respond to future European institutional needs and to increase the competitiveness of the European space transportation sector;
• matures key technologies for future space transportation (on avionics and guidance-navigation-control, structures and processes, propulsion, modelling and simulation),
• and building Demonstrators (Prometheus engine, Themis reusable first stage, reusable upper-stage, in-space transportation in-orbit demonstration…) to integrate and validate the relevant technologies and demonstrate new space capabilities.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

In Europe, building robust dual-use space logistics (including to-, in- and from-space transportation) is a keystone of the development of technologies for future space transportation systems. Connection with the security and defence sector ensures robust medium-term demand and maximises synergies with ongoing technology development in Europe.

Joining the System team of the ESA Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, you will provide valuable support on:

• synthesising future Space Transportation System studies, with focus on dual-use (civil and security & defence) technologies, coming from the Agency and a wide range of industrial stakeholders (large systems integrators, space products suppliers, start-ups…) and market analyses to shape the vision of future dual-use space transportation;
• identifying key trends, disruptive technologies, promising space concepts, and relevant demonstration opportunities feeding this vision with a focus on environmental impact;
• preparing future dual-use space transportation roadmaps, at the crossroads between system studies, technology maturations and demonstrator integration, to unfold this vision within ESA and with the SpaceTech sector in Europe;
• carrying out internal studies using ESA tools;
• consolidating an internal database for European stakeholders who could contribute to this roadmap implementation;
• coordinating with different ESA teams as part of ongoing projects, including reviews;
• FLPP workshop and event organisation, as well as other public communications.

You will work with a large degree of autonomy, accessing inputs as relevant, and liaising dynamically with your tutor to report your progress, overcome potential difficulties, and set your priorities for next steps.

You will deploy an analytical and synthetical mind, able to harness the complexity of multidisciplinary space systems and steer your work and added-value to achieve your goals with high standards.

During your EGT experience, you will develop your skills on Space Systems Engineering and Project Management and benefit from an exceptional overview of the space transportation sector in Europe.

As a team player, you will contribute to the success of your team by bringing a combination of technical expertise and collaborative skills. You will be able to deal with different international stakeholders, different Agency departments, and the industrial sector.

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 recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s in a technical or scientific discipline, with a background in the field of aerospace engineering with good understanding or motivation for dual-use applications.

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:

• Experience of working within, or education related to, the security and defence domain is a plus.
• During the interview motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.

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).

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.