ESA Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation Foundation Modelling **Job Requisition ID**:20262 **Date Posted**:1 February 2026 **Closing Date**:28 February 2026 23:59 CET/CEST **Publication**:External Only **Type of Appointment**:ESA Graduate Trainee **Directorate**:Earth Observation Programmes **Workplace**:Frascati, IT **Grade Band**:F1 - F1 **Location**
- ESRIN, Frascati, Italy **Our team and mission**
You will work in the Invest Office of the ɸ-lab Division, within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (EOP). The Invest Office focuses on Earth Observation commercial aspects and oversees investment in industrial innovation within the commercial Earth Observation domain. Φ-lab manages the ESA Investing in Industrial Innovation (InCubed) programme. While institutional and private European space actors have so far created a flourishing Earth Observation sector in Earth science, meteorology, environmental and security monitoring, the Earth Observation market is undergoing a rapid transition, with new implementation approaches (e.g. constellation of micro-satellites, vertical integration of spaceborne with non-spaceborne data), new industrial players (e.g. IT companies) and new funding models (e.g. PPP, venture capital). It is crucial for Europe to adapt to this rapidly evolving market and seize the opportunities it provides. Φ-lab is designed as an open working environment bringing together ESA staff and external space and non-space actors, innovators, data scientists, and investors on a permanent or temporary basis. **Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship**
We are in the middle of a perfect storm in Earth Observation, with the convergence of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, increasing data availability and new commercial actors rapidly reshaping the sector.



These dynamics are accelerating the emergence of advanced, large-scale Earth Observation AI models, which are becoming a key enabler of new commercial services and downstream innovation.As a Graduate Trainee, you will provide support to the tasks performed by the Φ-lab Invest Office, with a particular focus on advanced Earth Observation AI approaches, supporting both technical and strategic analyses across European and international contexts.This entails, for example: - Supporting InCubed programme activities related to advanced Earth Observation data analytics and AI-driven approaches
- Monitoring and analysing emerging trends in Earth Observation AI-powered platforms at European and global level, including existing and planned initiatives, and commercial solutions;
- Supporting the strategic assessment of European and non-European approaches to Earth Observation AI-powered platform, verifying technical capabilities, analysing technological decisions, industrial positioning and potential implications for European competitiveness and sovereignty;
- Contributing to the analysis of the European Earth Observation platform ecosystem in an international context, including market dynamics, emerging business models and competitive landscapes;
- In the context of InCubed programme, supporting entrepreneurial and industrial initiatives developing innovative Earth Observation products and services, helping assess their technical maturity,



scalability and commercial viability;
- Supporting market analyses to document the value, impact and strategic relevance of European investments in Earth Observation and AI;
- Preparing presentations, technical notes, comparative analyses, fact sheets and communication material supporting the team’s activities;
- Providing support to activities related to customer engagement, innovation, and commercial viability.-
**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 degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science / Machine Learning, Geospatial Engineering, Remote Sensing, Applied Mathematic or, Physics**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.The following elements are considered an asset: - Knowledge of EO market trends
- Knowledge of EO data analysis and use of platfo

📌 Esa Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation Foundation Modelling (Frascati)
🏢 European Space Agency
📍 Frascati