Our team and mission

The Thermal Division is the centre of competence of the Agency in all areas related to thermal engineering, covering development (R&D), design and verification. Within this frame, the Thermal Control Section is in charge of all thermal control aspects for the support to projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies, and the Thermal Analysis & Verification Section is the focal point for analysis methodologies, software tools and experimental/test services executed in the Mechanical Systems Laboratory.

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

For more information: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Engineering_Technology/Thermal_Control

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

1. Thermal Design & Analysis: Perform thermal design and associated analysis, including steady state/transient analyses of instrument and satellites following familiarization with project requirements and Agency’s tools (ESATAN-TMS). This may also include in-flight correlation of thermal analysis models for ESA projects.

2. Cryogenics: Investigate cryogenic technologies (active and passive coolers) for applications in future ESA spacecraft and launchers

3. Heat Transfer & Heat Rejection: Investigate heat transport technologies such as capillary and mechanically pumped two-phase loops, single-phase loops, heat pipes for thermal control 

4. Thermal Protection: Investigate thermal protection technologies (both – re-usable and ablative) for on-going and future missions (e.g. planetary exploration and sample return missions) and re-usable launchers

5. Generic thermal control technologies: Investigate innovative and advanced technologies for the Thermal Control Subsystem e.g. tunable infrared emittance coatings with electrochromic-based solutions, phase-change materials, heat pumps, etc. Investigate specific thermal technologies for small satellites and CubeSats

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 Mechanical Engineering or Physics.

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.

Specific required knowledge and interest are different, depending on the field of activity selected:
1. to 5. Physics, thermal / mechanical engineering university degree or equivalent, with basic knowledge of thermodynamics, radiative and conductive heat transfer, cryogenics, fluid/thermal simulations, computer systems.

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.