Graduate Trainee

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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

Publication Method: External Only

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: F1 - F1

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

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:

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Preparing_for_tomorrow/ESA_selects_four_new_Earth_Explorer_mission_ideas

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

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.

Technical competencies

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

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have recently completed or be in the final year of a master's degree in physics, geophysics or geoscience.

The information published on ESA's careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication.