Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Dept., Project Support, Future Launchers

Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France  

As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), the Future Space Transportation team (STS-F, including the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme - FLPP) is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. It is therefore responsible, among others, for:

• conducting system studies and establishing Technology Roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines;
• supporting the assessment of proper coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation;
• preparing new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP);
• leading the implementation of the FLPP Technology Roadmaps, including the maturation of key technologies for future space transportation (Avionics & GNC, Structures Materials and Processes, Propulsion and Modelling & Simulation) and development of demonstrators (such as Prometheus and Themis).

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

Topic of the internship: Launcher Propulsion Technology Maturation Project Support

As part of your role, you will give project support in the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. This includes:

• support to the THRUST! Initiative – preparation of the next open call; organisation of online and in-person events as needed;   
• support to the FIRST! Propulsion Initiative – support to project management of ongoing projects; preparation of next calls - if applicable and not necessarily only limited to Propulsion, support may be requested on calls linked to other launcher technologies; organisation of on-line and in-person events as needed;   
• support to the Access to Space Club - organisation of online and in-person events as needed;
• identification of best practices and improvements in Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes;
• technical analysis of proposals according to FLPP criteria and procedures, with a large part in liquid propulsion;
• management and regular update of FLPP databases, namely of technology evaluation/roadmapping and European space companies intelligence gathering, with a focus on new space companies in Europe with a significant activity in propulsion;
• support to FLPP knowledge management processes; standardisation and simplification of project management processes including use of/creation of efficient tools for management;
• participation in and reporting on launcher technology and research meetings and workshops in order to assess potential technologies and identify potential providers.

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

• knowledge and background in space, specifically space transportation vehicle, propulsion is a strong asset;
• knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is a strong asset;
• knowledge of the Space Transportation industry 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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship 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 

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.