ESA Graduate Trainee in Remote Sensing Earth Observation Mission Concept Development

EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites applications for the Graduate Trainee in Remote Sensing Earth Observation Mission Concept Development. You will join the Keystone mission team to assist scientific definition and performance evaluation during the EE12 PhA study, with emphasis on simulating signals and preparing data products.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in physics, geophysics or geoscience, show knowledge of ESA programmes, and have internship or project experience.

Qualifications

• Completed or final-year master in physics, geophysics or geoscience.
• Knowledge of ESA and its programmes and projects.
• Relevant internship/project experience in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Support the Keystone mission team in scientific definition and performance evaluation.
• Theoretically assess and test mission performance, simulate signals observed by spacecraft.
• Generate instrument data streams and convert into scientific products.

Skills

Python

Master's in physics

Master's in geophysics

Master's in geoscience

Education

Master's degree in physics

Master's degree in geophysics

Master's degree in geoscience

Job description

ESA Graduate Trainee in Remote Sensing Earth Observation Mission Concept Development

Job Requisition ID: 20946

Date Posted: 7 October 2026

Closing Date: 4 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

As part of the 12th cycle of ESA’s Earth Explorer programme (EE12), the candidate mission ”Keystone” will undergo a Phase A study. Keystone would provide the first direct observations of atomic oxygen in the mesosphere-thermosphere system, using a unique combination of limb-sounding techniques to cover altitudes from 50 to 250km. These observations, together with measurements of composition, temperature and winds, would enable scientists to study the processes that drive variability and energy balance in this region of the atmosphere, including the effects of solar cycles and space weather. Three EE12 candidate missions are currently under consideration; following completion of their respective Phase A studies, one will be selected for implementation. A brief description of the EE12 mission candidates is available here:

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will join the Keystone mission team, supporting the mission’s scientific definition and performance evaluation to help maximise its scientific output and contribute to the feasibility assessment and final mission selection process, scheduled for summer 2028. You will work on the theoretical assessment and testing of the mission’s performance, including simulating the signals observed by the spacecraft, generating instrument data streams and processing them into scientific products for distribution to users. You may also compare these data with similar outputs from other simulators or experimental airborne campaigns. You will produce and analyse output that contributes to the preparation of the Report for Mission Selection.

You may also support other mission science and promotion activities, including engagement with the scientific community and the mission team, the preparation of workshops and meetings, and mission communication, visualisation and public outreach. You will gain insight into the competitive process through which ESA Earth observation research mission concepts are defined and matured before selection for mission implementation. You will also learn about the technical and scientific approaches used to assess mission performance and feasibility.

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 a master’s degree in physics, geophysics or geoscience.

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:

Demonstrated experience in using Python is an asset.

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.

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 Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.