ESA Graduate Trainee in 5G/6G, Artificial Intelligence and Satellite Telecommunications

Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Overview: ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity Strategic Programme Line is advancing 5G and 6G technologies to support the digital transformation of Europe by integrating satellite and ground networks. This fusion of terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial (NTN) networks will revolutionise how we live, work and communicate in terms of smart mobility, global coverage, security and network resilience. The programme aims to promote the standardisation of seamless global connectivity for various industries and applications, including telemedicine, tele-education, and autonomous vehicles, airplanes and ships.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship: In this role, you will join ESA’s 5G/6G Strategic Programme Line and will contribute to international collaborative projects at the intersection of future networks, artificial intelligence and satellite communications. You will work with a wide range of stakeholders, including user terminal developers, terrestrial network providers, satellite operators and non-space industries such as automotive, energy and logistics.

You will explore how 5G/6G terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN/NTN) can enable new customer services, intelligent systems and autonomous applications, with a strong emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence and edge computing into future network architectures. Your work will help position Europe at the forefront of next-generation connectivity.

A key part of the traineeship involves supporting the operation and evolution of ESA’s 5G/6G Hub at Harwell, a world-class facility dedicated to the convergence of satellite and terrestrial communications. You will contribute to hands-on testing, demonstrations and XR-based use cases, and will help present these capabilities to visitors and partners.

You will support technical activities across the full end-to-end architecture of collaborative projects, gaining practical knowledge of integrated satellite-terrestrial systems, immersive technologies and AI-enhanced communications. You will also help shape technology roadmaps and explore how satellites can contribute to future 6G standards.

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

Education: You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in networking and data communication, telecommunications systems or a similar discipline.

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.

Experience in a 5G or TN/NTN laboratory environment is beneficial. Work experience in AI for networking and/or industrial applications is also beneficial.

Proficiency in mobile network architecture, for example Evolved Packet Core (EPC), radio access networks (RAN) and associated ancillary services such as IMS.

Knowledge and background in telecommunication network architecture, preferably satellite communications.

Knowledge in future cellular communications, such as 5G and 6G.

Knowledge of advanced computer science topics including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

Knowledge of mixed reality development and programming, for example AR, VR and XR.

Experience of 4G/5G core architectures and mobile network protocols.

Experience with large language models, foundation training models and computer vision.

Experience with Python and C++.

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.

Important Information and Disclaimer: 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 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.