ESA Graduate Trainee in Materials, Environments and Contamination Control

Our team and mission

The Materials, Environments and Contamination Control Section (TEC-MSE) provides expert engineering support to ESA projects, carries out technological research and implements laboratory testing activities focused on the environmental survivability of materials and cleanliness and contamination control engineering.

The section provides support throughout all mission phases: ranging from requirements definition in early project phases, instrument /satellite development, on-ground assembly integration and test, including launch campaign support and in-orbit induced environments. This includes expertise in areas such as atomic oxygen degradation, UV and laser induced contamination, planetary dust contamination, radiation and charging, stray light and plume impingement effects, on-ground contamination, and other synergistic environmental and contamination effects.

The section also provides materials and processes support for flight safety, including expertise related to habitable/pressurised environments, materials off gassing and toxicity. The experts in the section have a strong focus on space hardware, laboratory capabilities, development of innovative environmental testing facilities and non-standard testing techniques, including flight experiments/in-orbit demonstration, as well as associated modelling related to non-metallic materials, in-orbit contamination and environmental effects. The section laboratory work is frequently performed in state-of-the-art Materials and Electrical Components laboratory at ESTEC.
 

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The Materials, Environments, and Contamination Control Section provides specialized testing capabilities to ensure materials meet the demands of space missions. The section has developed key methodologies to assess material performance in extreme conditions. As missions venture into more challenging environments, the need for advanced testing continues to grow. This EGT position will contribute to that effort.

Why This Work Matters
Current ESA missions to cryogenic environments require advancements in mathematical models, testing techniques, simulations, and on-ground validation to predict material performance and ensure mission reliability. These factors influence material selection, satellite and instrument design, bakeout strategies, venting and purging protocols, in-orbit decontamination, power requirements, and potential downtime.
Cryogenic molecular kinetics present unique challenges. Our laboratories are equipped with custom build cold-temperature dynamic outgassing test facilities with in-situ monitoring tools such as cryogenic quartz crystal micro balance (CQCM), residual gas analysers (RGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), spectral cameras. Long-term testing capabilities also support on-ground validation of developed mathematical models and accuracy of the performed analysis, directly impacting satellite design and operational strategies for future missions.

Your Opportunity
As an ESA trainee, you will help develop and refine experimental characterization methodologies for space missions in the field of Materials, Environments and Contamination Control, especially for cryogenic environments.

Your Key Tasks

• Review literature and assess experimental methods and mission requirements.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work including operation of state-of-the-art vacuum equipment
• Analyse key material properties such as outgassing, optical performance, and chemical changes under space conditions.
• Develop and execute test plans based on mission needs, improving mathematical models and testing methodologies for future missions.
• Conduct experimental test campaigns using advanced equipment.
• Analyse results and contribute to ESA mission guidelines.

The role is based at the Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory of ESTEC, providing exposure to various laboratory methods and world class facilities and equipment, including:

• Optical microscopy & spectral imaging
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for molecular contamination evaluation
• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
• Various vacuum environmental testing facilities
• Advanced manufacturing equipment.

This position offers practical experience in space materials research and spacecraft environmental testing, contributing to ESA’s contamination control efforts.

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 Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or similar.

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.