ESA Graduate Trainee in CSG Range Operations and Investments

Our team and mission

Since 1975, the European Space Agency has contributed to the funding of the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) and associated services, it being a main element of a guaranteed access to space for Europe. The CSG is indeed a world-class spaceport formed of European facilities that must be maintained to meet our present needs, and that need to be further enhanced to pave the way for meeting our future requirements. The CSG is key to: 1. guaranteeing continuity in independent and reliable access to space to serve Europe’s freedom of action and space ambitions through Ariane and Vega; 2. developing and addressing new services while complying with societal needs (e.g. climate neutrality). To meet the ambitious goals for operations, maintenance and support of Ariane 6 and Vega C, the renovation and modernisation of the CSG Range was initiated with the Core Launch Range Renewal (CLRR) decision at Space 19+. In the Directorate of Space Transportation, the Launch Range and Representation at the CSG division is in particular responsible for the maintenance, renovation and modernisation of the CSG.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As an ESA Gradaute Trainee, you will follow day-to-day operations of the Launch Base (e.g Payload Spacecraft processing and preparation - EPCUs). In addition, you will be involved in key projects for Europe’s spaceport modernisation/enhancements. You will the opportunity to:

• Support to CSG Range Operations:
  • Follow-up of activities performed by CNES in preparation of a launch. This will allow the development of technical skills in relation with all range ground systems to perform final chronology (e.g. participation to operations meeting, of range configuration review- CLM, RPBs);
  • Follow-up of activities performed in the final preparation of the spacecraft (in Payload Processing Facilities – EPCU). This will allow the development of technical skills in relation with Spacecrafts final operations before launch (Assembly Integration and Testing).
• Support to selected CSG Range projects with follow-up of the implementation of selected projects implementation of the project management framework (Quality, Cost, Risks and Delay); participating to reviews/key point/gates and progress meetings. This will allow the development of project management skills.

Please note that this position will be located in Kourou, French Guiana. There is a possibility of spending an initial six months in Kourou, followed by six months in Paris (HQ-Daumesnil).

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in an engineering discipline (preferably aeronautical or digital).

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:

• A strong interest in technical innovation;
• The ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions.
• Adaptability and openness for change
• Knowledge of French, which will be a clear asset in Kourou.