Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee in Space Safety Programme Coordination

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Paris; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites applications for a Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee in Space Safety Programme Coordination at ESA Headquarters, Paris, France. The role supports the Head of Office across strategic planning, policy coordination and outreach within the Space Safety Programme.

The trainee will gain hands-on experience in engineering, policy, law and management, embedded in an international, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in space policy, law, engineering or sciences.
• A dual expertise in both social sciences and engineering/science is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of ESA and its programmes and projects is beneficial.
• Relevant experience gained during internships, project work or extracurricular activities is desirable.
• General knowledge of the space sector and related activities is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Office in all duties.
• Conduct long-term studies to support the strategic evolution of S2P.
• Manage Strategic Space Safety Initiatives, including coordination of Zero Debris events.
• Prepare reports, background materials and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Assist in organising S2P events across Europe; handle ad-hoc tasks as required.

Skills

Initiative

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Education

Master’s degree in space policy, law, engineering or sciences

Job description

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Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee in Space Safety Programme Coordination

Job Requisition ID: 20906

Date Posted: 24 September 2026

Closing Date: 15 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more): National Graduate Trainee

The ESA National Graduate Trainee (NGT) Programmes offer recent Master’s graduates the opportunity to gain practical, hands‑on experience at ESA across a range of space‑related disciplines. The programmes are essentially similar to ESA’s own Graduate Trainee Programme, notably in offering the same employment conditions. They however differ in one important respect: each NGT Programme is funded by an individual ESA Member State or Associate Member under a bilateral partnership agreement concluded with ESA. As a result, a representative of the sponsoring State participates in the selection process. In addition to assessing candidates against the requirements of the position, the selection may also include an evaluation of their background and knowledge of the space policies and related activities of the sponsoring State.

Location

ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Our team and mission

The ESA Space Safety Programme (S2P) leads world‑class missions, delivers critical services and develops cutting‑edge technologies in the fields of space weather, planetary defence, space debris and Clean Space.

The Space Safety Programme Coordination Office (OPS‑SX) leads all strategy and coordination efforts of the programme. OPS‑SX responsibilities include: formulating S2P’s strategy and policy; coordinating the identification and planning of future activities; acting as Secretariat for the Space Situational Awareness Programme Board (PB‑SSA) and Advisory Group (SSA‑AG); coordinating S2P relations with Member States, industry, European partners, EU institutions, and international partners; managing S2P communication, outreach and B2B activities; and carrying out policy and management activities in relation to the Strategic Space Safety Initiatives”, such as the ZeroDebris Charter.

As a Luxembourgish Graduate Trainee in the Space Safety Programme Coordination Office, you will support the Head of Office in all their duties.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The Space Safety Programme Coordination Office (OPS‑SX) offers a unique opportunity for promising young professionals to be embedded in the beating heart of one of ESA’s most forward‑looking programmes, ensuring that Europe and its citizens are protected from hazards originating in space.

As a central office with transversal competences, OPS‑SX has a diverse and international team with expertise in engineering, policy, law and management. Based in ESA HQ, decision‑making centre of the Agency, it also has a presence in ESOC and interacts daily with all S2P projects and offices in ESOC, ESTEC and ESRIN.

As a Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee in Space Safety Programme Coordination, you will support the Head of Office in all their duties through:

Detailed long‑term studies to support the strategic evolution of S2P along the objectives outlined in ESA Strategy 2040.

Operational management, with a good degree of independence, of Strategic Space Safety Initiatives, including the coordination of Zero Debris events and community activities, and the implementation of activities under the Space Weather Demonstrator project.

Reports, background materials, and presentations for both internal reporting (e.g. Council, DG update meeting, PB‑SSA) and external outreach (e.g. industry days, S2P blog, ESA website).

Support to the organisation of S2P events in Europe.

Many other tasks as required by a fast‑changing international and European landscape.

Knowledge of relevant technical and 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 and projects

You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in space policy, law, engineering or sciences. A dual expertise in both social sciences and engineering/science would be considered a strong asset.

Additional requirements

The ability to take initiative on projects would be considered a strong 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. 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.

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 Luxembourg or permanent residents of Luxembourg with the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member or Cooperating State .

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.