Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee in Human and Robotic Exploration Commercialisation

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 across various locations in Europe. 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 in multiple countries and is involved in numerous international collaborations, focusing on scientific research, technological development, and the promotion of European industry in the space sector.

Job Overview:
The Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee (NGT) position is designed for recent Master’s graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of space exploration. This role is part of the ESA's National Graduate Trainee Programmes, which provide a unique opportunity to work within the Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate. The selected candidate will engage in various activities aimed at fostering the commercialisation of space exploration, particularly in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and lunar environments. The trainee will be involved in the Business in Space Growth Network (BSGN), contributing to the development of sustainable commercial ecosystems and innovative initiatives that connect space capabilities with terrestrial industries. This position not only offers hands-on experience but also allows the trainee to play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration and its commercial applications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee, the individual will report to the Commercialisation and Innovation Team Leader and will be responsible for several key activities. These include exploring the emerging LEO and lunar economy by analyzing new commercial stations and transportation systems, engaging with industries beyond the traditional space sector to identify potential partnerships, and supporting commercially relevant in-orbit projects. The trainee will also assist in organizing ESA conferences and workshops, helping to bring together various stakeholders from the space and terrestrial industries. Additionally, the role involves developing practical skills in market assessment, business models, and investment cases, while contributing to the overarching goal of creating scalable commercial activities in space.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have recently completed or be in the final year of their master’s degree in business, economics, or a relevant scientific or technical discipline. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Previous experience in international teams is considered an asset, and candidates should demonstrate a clear motivation and professional perspective related to their career goals in the space sector.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a master’s degree in business, economics, or a relevant scientific or technical field. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary knowledge and skills to engage with the complex challenges of space commercialisation and innovation.

Experience:
The position is aimed at recent graduates, so while extensive professional experience is not required, any relevant internships, project work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate knowledge of the space sector and its related activities will be beneficial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their understanding of ESA's programmes and projects during the selection process.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders within the agency and its partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Graduate Trainee role, which typically involves a fixed-term contract. The selected candidate will be expected to work full-time and may be required to undergo selection tests and background screening as part of the recruitment process. The 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.