ESA Graduate Trainee in Opto-electronics and Quantum Engineering

Overview

Support the development of optoelectronic technologies for ESA projects.

You have:

• You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in physics or a relevant engineering discipline
• Knowledge and background in working with optical laboratory setups (incl. lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition or experience in programming & modelling (eg. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD, is an asset
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.
• Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset.

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Optoelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of optoelectronic device technologies and applications. In particular, the Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.

The Section is staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and offers a unique opportunity to contribute on the challenges related to optoelectronic technologies needed for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The section is developing laboratory test setups and simulation tools in the areas of imaging detectors, optical communication and quantum communication.

Depending on the your interests, technical competences and project constrains in 2026/27, you will support one or more of these developments by for example:

• Development of simulation tools for free-space optical or quantum communication systems
• Testbed development of advanced spaceborne optoelectronic applications (for optical or quantum communication, optical detectors and/or lasers)
• Integration and commissioning of upgraded laser induced contamination characterization setup

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains

Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities

General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities

Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in physics or a relevant engineering discipline

Additional requirements

Knowledge and background in working with optical laboratory setups (incl. lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition or experience in programming & modelling (eg. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD, is an asset.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.

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 [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working 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 and Languages Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

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

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int