Our team and mission

You will join the Team of the Strategic Programme Line “Optical and Quantum Communication – ScyLight” within the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Satellite communications is the economic engine of the space industry, representing a major segment of the global satellite economy. ESA’s programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems – ARTES – seeks to keep European and Canadian industry at the leading edge of this global market by nurturing innovation. ARTES Strategic Programme Line (SPL) in Optical and Quantum Communication – ScyLight – is dedicated particularly to the development of innovative optical and quantum communication technologies for global networking systems and satellite mission demonstrations, such as HydRON, SAGA or other projects. The SPL ScyLight Team is responsible for defining and implementing a strategy for the development of optical and quantum technologies for the next generation satellite communication systems.

You will report to the ScyLight Strategic Programme Line Manager and work closely with the ScyLight Optical Communication Technology Manager.

Further details of the programmes can be found at https://connectivity.esa.int/optical-and-quantum-communications 

You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will join the SPL ScyLight Team and be responsible for supporting the definition and development of one of the next-generation communication networks, namely deep space optical communication network or space-based quantum communication network. You will be exposed to and learn about development process of innovative optical and quantum technologies for the use in satellite communication systems (space and ground segments).
Your tasks, responsibilities and learning opportunities will include:
•    supporting an architecture definition and system study of Deep Space/Solar System Interplanetary Optical Communication Network or Satellite-based Quantum Communication Network and its integration with terrestrial quantum networks and quantum computers;
•    supporting a modelling, simulation and optimisation analysis of satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground free space optical communication links;
•    contributing to the definition and specification of required optical/photonics/quantum technology developments, including devices, modules and equipment;
•    supporting tests validation and requirement verification of system and subsystems;
•    monitoring relevant trends and developments in optical and/or quantum communication and networking in order to support ScyLight strategy development;
•    supporting the SPL ScyLight programme and its team in maintaining optical and quantum technology developments roadmaps and developing ScyLight annual work plan;
•    following up and analysing related standardisation activities/initiatives;
•   supporting the SPL ScyLight team in meetings and liaising with industry, academia and research institutions involved in the development of optical and quantum technology, systems and flagship projects (such as HydRON – high-throughput optical space network and SAGA – security and cryptographic mission, Moonlight Project).

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have just completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in engineering or physics with specialisation in optical communication, quantum communication or photonics.

Additional requirements

Experience in laboratory and industrial settings (preferably with optical/photonics technologies) would be an asset.

Knowledge of free space optical communication networks would be a distinct advantage.

Knowledge of quantum communication networks or quantum algorithms and computing would be an 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.

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.

During the interview motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.