Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Reusability Section

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to encompass 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates across various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and space transportation, with headquarters located in Paris, France. The agency is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and technology development, working with various global partners to advance scientific knowledge and technological innovation.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, specifically in the Reusability Section, is designed for university students who are eager to gain hands-on experience in the field of space transportation systems. The intern will provide technical project support to the reusability section, which is responsible for the maturation of technologies and capabilities necessary for future space transportation systems. The intern's primary focus will be determined at the start of the internship based on the department's needs, which may include conducting business and technical intelligence on reusable launch systems, analyzing global space transportation trends, and supporting ongoing ESA demonstration projects. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the development of sustainable space transportation solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that include: conducting comprehensive research on reusable launch systems and their development approaches; synthesizing information on existing and planned systems across various countries including the US, China, India, and Europe; performing global space transportation analyses using both internal and external data sources; organizing and synthesizing market studies and business cases received from contractors; providing technical support for specific tasks related to ongoing ESA demonstration projects; assisting in the BEST! Initiative focused on first stages reusability; supporting the Access to Space Club by organizing online and in-person events; identifying best practices and improvements in the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) procurement actions; and contributing to the standardization and simplification of project management processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They must demonstrate that they will be enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A strong knowledge of space transportation vehicles and propulsion systems is highly desirable, as is familiarity with Technology Readiness Levels and project life cycles. Additionally, candidates should have a good understanding of the global space transportation industry and ongoing projects.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in technical subjects pertinent to space transportation and engineering principles. Candidates must be able to provide proof of their university enrollment for the duration of the internship.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships, projects, or coursework related to space transportation, propulsion systems, or aerospace engineering will be considered an asset. The agency values candidates who have demonstrated a proactive approach to learning and have engaged in projects that showcase their technical capabilities and interest in the field.

Languages:
The working languages of ESA are English and French. A good command of either English or French is required, while knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset. Additionally, the ability to communicate and read in German is also beneficial for this position.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position based at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The duration of the internship will be determined based on the needs of the department and the availability of the selected candidate. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process and in the workplace.