Our team and mission

ExPeRT (Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology) is part of ESA’s Terrae Novae Exploration Programme. It integrates, coordinates, and manages the development of studies and technologies for future Exploration missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), Moon and Mars destinations.

In coordination with the Mars Exploration Group (HRE-M), the ExPeRT Team (HRE-E) conducts the assessment studies and technology preparation activities of ESA exploration missions in early phases (0, A, B1).

The exploration missions currently being prepared include missions to Mars, the Moon and LEO destinations. This post is to be situated within the Mars Exploration Study Team, where future Mars mission studies are undertaken.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

A number of studies are planned for the coming 2 years both internally in the ESTEC Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) and external industrial Phase 0/A/B1 studies. A key theme for these studies will be on missions that involve advanced Entry Decent and Landing on the surface of Mars. In addition to working on a self-chosen topic of your choice, you will have the opportunity to directly support the future study activities that will be on-going or starting at the time of appointment.

Activities identified where you could play a role in maturing such concepts, while working alongside experienced engineers and scientists are:
–    Early phase mission architecture design and trajectory analysis;
–    Mission concept and mission profile trade-offs;
–    Studies of advanced entry, descent and landing technologies and their impact on landing precision.
–    Development of (study) tools to assess the entry descent and landing mission phase.
–    Definition and/or review of payload, system and mission requirements;
–    Analysis of spacecraft design and related system budgets;
–    Studies of instrument accommodation at spacecraft level;

The precise area of work the candidate would undertake would be determined together with the candidate at the start of the traineeship and will depend on the Programme needs as well as the skill and interests of the candidate themselves. However, it is currently expected that the subject of system engineering for advanced entry, descent and landing will be a core part of the work.

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 and engineering discipline.

Additional requirements

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural 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.