ESA Graduate Trainee in the Space Transportation Product Assurance and Safety Office

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 include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to provide Europe with a capability for independent access to and freedom in space, ensuring that Europe can participate in the global space sector. ESA operates across multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and various centers across Europe, including the European Space Research Institute (ESRIN) in Frascati, Italy, and the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The agency is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and technology development, and it plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in the field of space.

Job Overview:
The ESA Graduate Trainee position in the Space Transportation Product Assurance and Safety Office is designed for recent graduates or those in their final year of a master's degree in a technical or scientific discipline. The role involves supporting the Product Assurance and Safety Office in verifying compliance with safety and quality requirements for various space transportation projects. The trainee will engage in activities that enhance the effectiveness of the office's operations, including the extension of ESA mission classification to Space Transportation Systems, the deployment of a data-driven Quality and Safety approach, and the collection of lessons learned from past projects. The position offers an opportunity to work on innovative solutions aimed at improving the robustness of current and future launch systems while contributing to the overall mission of ensuring safe and sustainable space exploration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the ESA Graduate Trainee include:

• Supporting the extension of ESA mission classification to Space Transportation Systems, ensuring that all relevant criteria are met.
• Assisting in the deployment and implementation of a data-driven Quality and Safety approach, which includes rolling out dedicated cockpits to visualize pre-agreed data and defining best practices for quantitative analyses.
• Collecting and analyzing lessons learned from Space Transportation Systems projects, particularly focusing on STS PNRR and FLPP, and implementing identified recommendations to improve future projects.
• Contributing to the evolution of the Quality Management System by enhancing processes related to knowledge management, ensuring effective and efficient management of lessons learned.
• Engaging in quality improvement activities within the industry to increase the robustness of current and future launch systems.
• Collaborating with team members and stakeholders to facilitate knowledge transfer and operational excellence activities aimed at simplifying internal processes and enhancing performance visualization through Key Performance Indicators.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in relevant technical or scientific disciplines, with knowledge of the space sector and ESA's programs and projects. They should demonstrate relevant experience gained through internships, project work, or extracurricular activities. Additionally, candidates should exhibit competencies in result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation, relationship management, continuous improvement, and forward thinking. The ability to work autonomously while questioning the status quo to identify improvements is essential, as is familiarity with modern IT tools and an analytical problem-solving attitude.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have recently completed or be in the final year of a master's degree in a technical or scientific discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of space transportation systems and the associated safety and quality requirements.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience, which can be gained through internships, project work, or other extracurricular activities. Experience working in international teams is considered an asset, as the role involves collaboration in a multicultural environment.

Languages:
A good command of English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is a graduate trainee appointment, which typically lasts for a fixed duration. The role is full-time and may involve working in various locations, including Frascati, Italy, and Noordwijk, Netherlands. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming 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. Candidates must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment.