ESA Graduate Trainee in Space Weather Mission Studies

Job Requisition ID: 20174 Date Posted: 1 February 2026 Closing Date: 28 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication: External Only Type of Appointment: ESA Graduate Trainee Directorate: Operations Workplace: Darmstadt, DE Grade Band: F1 - F1 Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

The ESA Space Safety Programme Office addresses potential hazards originating from space, including solar events, space debris, and asteroids. The Office focuses on understanding these hazards, developing mitigation strategies, and implementing sustainable space systems. Key areas include space weather forecasting, asteroid deflection, and active space debris removal.

The Space Safety Office comprises specialized entities:

• Space Weather Office
• Planetary Defence Office
• Space Debris Office
• Clean Space Office
• Frequency Management Office

The Space Weather Office is dedicated to developing the ESA Space Weather System for nowcasting and forecasting space weather events. These solar eruptions can significantly impact Earth's infrastructure, satellites, and astronaut health. Geomagnetic storms can lead to power grid blackouts, disrupt satellite navigation and communication, and affect aviation and transportation. This office leads the development of models, services, and satellite missions for space weather monitoring.

For more information, visit: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

ESA is developing an Enhanced Space Weather Sensor System for space weather nowcasting, forecasting, and impact monitoring. This system includes missions in the solar wind for forecasting and missions near Earth for nowcasting and impact detection. Accurate monitoring requires a sufficient number of sampling points around Earth to capture the particle environment and magnetic field dynamics. High reliability, long lifetime, and low data latencies are crucial for operational purposes.

ESA is currently studying and implementing multiple space weather missions, ranging from nanosatellites to small satellites in various orbits, including deep space. Two key missions are:

• SWORD: Monitors Earth's radiation belts.
• SHIELD: Will fly upstream of Earth to enhance solar wind forecasting.

SWORD will be the first mission to operationally monitor the Earth radiation belts, and SHIELD will be the first operational satellite constellation in deep space.

Your role will involve supporting early mission design studies, analyzing expected mission performance, and optimizing missions to meet their objectives. You will utilize existing space weather models, ESA instrument data, and mission analysis tools, and contribute to developing new tools and scripts. This traineeship offers an opportunity to apply your skills in space engineering, physics, and programming, and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ESA mission lifecycle, from definition to implementation and management. The SWING mission is planned for launch during your traineeship.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains.
• Relevant experience from internships, project work, and/or extracurricular activities.
• General knowledge of the space sector and its activities.
• Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects.

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook for more details.

Education

• Completion of, or final year in, a Master's degree in Physics or Aerospace Engineering.

Additional Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.
• Previous experience in international teams is an asset.
• Motivation, professional perspective, and career goals will be assessed.
• Proficiency in a programming language (e.g., Python, C/C++).

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We strive to accommodate individuals with disabilities and offer support during the recruitment process. Contact: contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Selection tests may be required. Successful candidates will undergo basic screening by an external background screening service in compliance with ESA's security procedures. Information on working conditions is correct at the time of publication and may not be exhaustive.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are accepted from nationals of ESA Member States, Associate Member States, Cooperating States, and European Cooperating States (ECS). Please refer to the list provided in the original job posting for eligible countries. Priority may be given to candidates from under-represented Member States.

Working languages are English and French. Good knowledge of one is required. Knowledge of another Member State language is an asset.

• Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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Benefits: EUR Remote Model: Hybrid Country Code: de