ESA Graduate Trainee in the Vega-E Programme **Job Requisition ID**:20181 **Date Posted**:1 February 2026 **Closing Date**:28 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST **Publication**:External Only **Type of Appointment**:ESA Graduate Trainee **Directorate**:Space Transportation **Workplace**:Frascati, IT **Grade Band**:F1 - F1 **Location**
- ESRIN, Frascati, Italy **Our team and mission**
The Vega-E Programme division manages the technical and programmatic implementation of Vega-E development. **Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship**
Under the coordination of the Vega-E Liquid Propulsion Module Product Manager, in support of current developments of the Vega-E launcher, on-the-job training in the upper-stage liquid propulsion system design process will be provided by performing tasks in the following fields of activities: - Modelling and simulation of the pressurisation system;
- Modelling and simulation of the Equipped Tank Assembly;
- Modelling and simulation of the cryogenic feed lines;
- Creation of a reduced model of the MR-10 engine;
- Functional analysis of the LPM throughout Vega-E missions;
- Enhancement of the current correlations for chill-down, sloshing, heat transfer in tanks in 0-g. Through day-by-day active contributions, the objective of the training is to become acquainted with and learn the basics of the complex multi-disciplinary approach typical of a cryogenic propulsion system design process, experienced along its different subsystem behaviours, from the requirements structure establishment, through the design functional choices, to the full comprehension of the cryogenic stage behaviour on ground and in flight.**Technical competencies**




Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domainsRelevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activitiesGeneral knowledge of the space sector and relevant activitiesKnowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects**Behavioural competencies**
Result OrientationOperational EfficiencyFostering CooperationRelationship ManagementContinuous ImprovementForward ThinkingFor 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 in aerospace 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.You should also have: - Knowledge and background in rocket propulsion, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and heat transfer are considered assets. **Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness**Important Information and Disclaimer**- 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**- 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. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ »

📌 Esa Graduate Trainee in The Vega-e Programme (Frascati)
🏢 European Space Agency
📍 Frascati