ESA Graduate Trainee in Solar Generators Section
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Solar Generators section provides specialist support in the photovoltaic power domain to current ESA missions and development projects. The section is also responsible for ESA R&D activities in this domain for space applications, working on internal activities as well as collaborating with industry and academia throughout Europe, developing current and future technologies. The work of the section is supported by the Solar Generators Characterisation Facility and the Accelerated Life Test Facility on site at ESTEC.
Almost all Spacecraft are powered by solar generators that are designed, developed, manufactured and tested in order to meet the specific mission requirements, mostly making use of the state of the art technology and components (e.g. multi-junction GaAs based solar cells, carbon fibre honeycomb structure). Each of these solar generators is designed to accommodate particular needs from the viewpoint of mission orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO, Planetary, Deep Space or Near Sun missions) and on-board power requirements, and is using different types of configurations (e.g. body mounted solar panels, deployable wings).
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
The proposed training project may consist of one of the following tasks:
- Study on next generation space solar cells
- Study on next generation solar generators including concentrator system
- Analysis and investigation of the space environmental effects on solar generators
- Electrical design and in-orbit performance prediction of the solar generators
- Analysis of the thermo-mechanical properties of the solar generators and its components
- Electrical characterisation and test of solar cells and solar panel coupons under space representative conditions
All activities above entail relevant breadboard realisation and test in our laboratories.
For analyses, advanced model and simulation tools are available (ORCAD Cadence PSPICE, Microcap, Mathlab, Mathcad/Simulink, Ecosim Pro. etc).
For breadboarding and tests, relevant electrical/electronic components, solar cells, solar array coupons, tools and instrumentation are available in the labs (solar array simulators, power and signal generators, scopes, sensors, active and passive loads, network analyzer, impedance test bridges, solar simulators for characterization of solar cells and solar panels, microscopes and electroluminescence facility for solar cell inspections, solar cell spectral response measurement equipment, thermal cycling chambers,...).
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 a technical or scientific discipline
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.
Specific competence in one of the following disciplines shall be considered an asset:
- Solar cells, solar generators
- Mathematical modelling
- Laboratory activity
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.