ESA Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation Data Security for Resilience
Frascati, IT
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Our team and mission
The ESA Ground Segment and Data Management Division is responsible for the generation and management of Earth observation data from ESA and Third Party missions using a flexible and resilient industrial architecture, so called the Earth Observation Framework for Science Missions. This architecture enables all end-to-end activities needed to generate and make available validated quality Earth observation (EO) science data to a wide user community.
The ESA and Third Party missions data management framework covers both mission-specific and mission-generic elements implemented as services and interconnected each other through innovative and harmonised interfaces.
The ESA Ground Segment and Data Management Division is a leading innovator in Earth Observation data processing and delivery, leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive business transformation and deliver impactful solutions to data users.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
As a key enabler of informed decision-making, EO provides the data and insights needed to address the climate crisis, monitor environmental change, and support biodiversity protection. In this context we are offering a unique opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience in rapidly evolving key data management domains such as EO data processing and access.
This traineeship will provide exposure to various aspects of evolving scenario for the management of Earth Observation data. The current operational architecture serving Earth Observation Science missions is based on interlinked industrial services (each one responsible for its own security) globally supported by a governance level, including security auditing and control. The increasing complexity of the Earth Observation Science missions, the specific features of the Earth Observation data as well as the opportunities and challenges offered by modern technology (including AI) call for a continuously evolving and proactive approach to ensure an adequate security protection to the Earth Observation Science missions operational framework.
In such dynamic context, where veracity, integrity and resilience are essential to guarantee proper service delivery and supporting technologies are continuously advancing to serve more and more challenging Earth Observation needs, it is necessary to put in place a solid yet agile and evolving framework able to address the Earth Observation technical and operational challenges from a security perspective.
The traineeship is designed to provide recent graduates or early-career professionals with a deep dive into the world of security and associated tools, not only for the operational deployment of security measures, but eventually also to assist the process of risk analysis.
The trainee will be involved in activities related to the design of security governance approaches and systems addressing currently operational framework based on interlinked data management services and possibly wider operational resilience scenarios. In particular the trainee will be involved in the definition of new processes, methodologies and tool to streamline the application of security across the Earth Observation Framework, to improve automation in security application and to cope with the challenges raised by new technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum computing that represents both a threat and an opportunity. A suitable literature review as well as the necessary assessment of tools and technology able to support this process will be under the trainee’s responsibility.
The program includes exposure to operational processes, structured learning, and project-based work that culminates in a final report and presentation.
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Key Responsibilities:
- Acquire knowledge and understanding of data management services and security posture on the current architecture.
- Participate in the design and deployment of security governance.
- Define and support the risk assessment process for new technologies.
- Contribute to research, literature reviews, and experimentation to improve system security processes automation.
- 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.
The ESA Graduate Trainee (EGT) is offered the possibility of contributing to the process by analysing and investigating applicable technologies and methodologies available for the preparation of an evolution roadmap.
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 recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, GEO Informatics, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field
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.
You should also have:
- Strong communication skills
- Proficiency in cybersecurity risk management methodologies (Ebios, ISO27005)
- Familiarity with information security management system (like ISO27001, ISO42001)
- Basic knowledge of security architecture (firewalls, intrusion detection systems, authentication and authorization measures, encryption protocols), infrastructure and application security
- Basic knowledge security verification methods and technologies like vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, software static and dynamic analysis
- Foundational understanding of attack framework like MITRE and MITRE ATLAS is an asset
- Foundational understanding of AI/ML concepts and experience with AI-related projects (either academic or professional) is an asset.
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
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.
