ESA Graduate Trainee Onboarding New Space EO Solutions in Copernicus Contributing Missions
Frascati, IT
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Our team and mission
Within the context of the Copernicus Contributing Missions, part of the Copernicus programme, ESA plays a pivotal role in the selection, evaluation, integration and management of Earth Observation (EO) data, particularly Very High Resolution (VHR) data, from various commercial providers for the benefit of the Copernicus users,managing the programmatic interface with the European Commission, establishing contracts with European EO data suppliers and space start-ups and ensuring that the observational and very high quality data requirements of the Copernicus Services in terms of systematic and on-demand data provision are met.
As part of the Copernicus Contributing Mission activities, ESA is particularly active in identifying suitable innovative EO commercial data solutions from the New Space sector (e.g. thermal, atmospheric composition, hyperspectral, and radio frequency commercial data) and setting up pilot pre-operational activities to prepare and sustain New Space EO actors involvement in providing data and services in the Copernicus operational context.
Besides stimulating the emerging EO European ecosystem, this activity, led by the ESA EO Third Party Missions Manager, is particularly important to continuously complement the Copernicus data and services portfolio with rapidly evolving, innovative solutions aiming at globally improve spatial resolution and revisit time.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
ESA is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience in the scientific, technical and pre-operational challenges associated to the onboarding of New Space EO solutions in the Copernicus Contributing Missions. This traineeship will provide exposure to various aspects of pre-operational assessments and testing as well as EO commercialization.
If selected for the position, under the supervision of the ESA EO Third Party Missions Manager, you will work closely with ESA experienced professional in the data quality (especially “fit-for-purpose”) and operations management domain, with strong expertise in the EO commercial sector, and have also the opportunity to interface key New Space actors fostering innovative data and services solutions. The program includes exposure to operational processes, structured learning, and project-based work that culminates in a final report and presentation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the coordination and implementation of the Copernicus Contributing mission activities with focus on onboarding New Space data suppliers, whose number and relevance is significantly increasing
- Contribute to analyse, evaluate, and implement specific data pilot pre-operational activities. These activities can have different domains of applications (thermal infrared, atmospheric composition, hyperspectral, etc), therefore requiring a good understanding of the different fields of EO application.
- Present findings and project results to team members, stakeholders, and leadership.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and techniques, and contribute to knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Collaborate with other ESA teams in the field of commercial EO data and services
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in Engineering, Earth Science, Remote Sensing and related.
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.
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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 Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented 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.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.