Training Opportunity for “Young Graduate Trainees”

Reference Specialist Area Duty Station Closing Date

ESA/YG-HO(2010)006 Environmental technologies HO 15 December 2010

Overview of the Division’s mission

The Future Programmes Preparation and Technology Office is responsible, among other activities, of:
 evaluating the possible scenarios and associated technical solutions to improve European access to
space on the basis of the technical studies developed by the relevant project entities;
 assessing proper coherence of all technology activities related to launchers, including technology
policy and harmonisation;
 coordinating the assessments of the industrial capabilities in the European launcher sector;
 preparing new programmes and programme extensions.

Overview of the field of activity proposed

With the raise of the public awareness, there is a widespread recognition today that environmental protection
must be among the highest priorities of every business, and the space sector is not an exception. ESA has
recently prepared a frame policy on sustainable development in which the Agency commits to make its best
efforts, on a systematic basis, for including into each of its current and future programmes specifications,
considerations and actions in favour of the respect of the environment and the preservation of resources. The
ESA directorate of Launchers has just started an assessment of the Environmental Impact of launchers.

However, so far no systematic approach to “green technologies” has been carried out with the aim of reducing
environmental impact.

The work will include the following tasks:

 Review of “green technologies” used outside the space sector, i.e. innovative new products and
technologies that, by their nature, put less strain on the environment;
 Preparation of ad-hoc dossiers on specific technologies and its possible application and/or limitations
for application to the launcher industry. A typical example concerns bio-fuels which are being more
and more advertised in the industrial sector;
 Review of environmental impacts of Ariane 5, Vega, and Soyuz technologies, industrial processes,
operations in order to enhance cross-fertilisations to improve environmental impacts.

On the basis of this work, proposals for improvements, in particular in the frame of the Next Generation
Launcher developments will be prepared.

Educational and other requirements

Applicants should have just completed, or be in their final year of a University course at Masters Level (or
equivalent) in a Computer Engineering or equivalent scientific field. Knowledge of space activities and in
particular of launcher activities is an advantage. Knowledge of methodologies and advanced technologies for
green innovation is as well an advantage.

Applicants must be fluent in English and/or French, the official languages of the Agency.

Applicants should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-
cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

How can I apply?

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 Please fill in the online application form.
Please note that only one application may be submitted for the YGT Scheme.

The YGT Scheme is open to recently qualified young men and women
who are nationals of one of the following states:
Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK,
or Canada as a Cooperating State, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovenia as European Cooperating
States (PECS).

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