Job Requisition ID: 20916

Date Posted: 24 September 2026

Application Deadline: 15 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more): National Graduate Trainee

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: F1 - F1

The ESA National Graduate Trainee (NGT) Programmes offer recent Master’s graduates the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience at ESA across a range of space-related disciplines. The programmes are essentially similar to ESA’s own Graduate Trainee Programme, notably in offering the same employment conditions. They however differ in one important respect: each NGT Programme is funded by an individual ESA Member State or Associate Member under a bilateral partnership agreement concluded with ESA.
As a result, a representative of the sponsoring State participates in the selection process. In addition to assessing candidates against the requirements of the position, the selection may also include an evaluation of their background and knowledge of the space policies and related activities of the sponsoring State.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission
The Mechatronics and Optics Division provides engineering support for space projects and carries out technology developments in the areas of robotics, life and physical sciences instrumentation, optics and optoelectronics. One of the sections of this division, the Robotics Section, is the focal point at ESA for matters relating to the design, engineering and verification of space automation and robotics (A&R) systems (i.e. manipulation systems, mobility systems and payload automation systems).

You will support the Robotics Section at ESTEC, and, in particular, the Automation and Robotics Laboratories.
The Laboratories have a long heritage in the field of planetary and orbital robotics, as well as in human-robot interaction aspects of teleoperated missions.

In this context, the Automation and Robotics Section is responsible for:

• the conception of novel uses and novel designs in space missions
• definition, design and engineering;
• breadboarding and demonstration;
• analysis and verification;
• technology development in the fields of:
  • robot perception;
  • control, autonomy and intelligence;
  • motion and actuation;
  • robot-user interfacing;
  • robot ground testing.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
As a Luxembourgish National Graduate Trainee, you will be assigned one or more tasks pertaining to the responsibilities and needs of the Robotics Section and the Automation and Robotics Laboratories within the fields of orbital robotics, planetary robotics and human-robotics interaction.

With the assistance of ESA engineers working in the Section, as well as with the support of other ESA specialists, you may work on:

• feasibility assessments of new space A&R concepts;
• breadboarding and demonstration of A&R systems (e.g. robots, rovers, air-bearing platforms and supporting technologies) and their subsystems and interfaces with users in the A&R laboratories;
• verification of existing A&R systems;
• mathematical modelling and simulations;
• operational readiness, organisation and extension of the lab facilities.

Technical competencies
Knowledge of relevant technical and 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 and 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 just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in robotics, or a related field of engineering.

Additional requirements
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.

Applicants should have completed, or be in their final year of a university or graduate degree in robotics or computer science, mechatronics, mechanical, control or space engineering. A good grasp of system aspects and a good understanding of the basis engineering domains of robotics (i.e. mechatronics, control theory, computer science or image processing) as well as a solid foundation in mathematics and physics are strongly desirable. Proficiency in the use of computer-aided engineering tools would be an asset. Strong general computer skills and proficiency in several programming languages would be considered an important asset.

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 or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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 Luxembourg or permanent residents of Luxembourg with the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member or Cooperating State.

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.

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