German National Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation Data Science
EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY, Italy, NY, United States
German National Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation Data Science
Job Requisition ID: 20518
Date Posted: 22 April 2026
Closing Date: 20 May 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
Overview
As a National Graduate Trainee, you will join a team in the Enterprise Section within the Green Solutions Division in the Earth Observation Directorate’s Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. Our team works on the development of innovative new applications of Earth Observation data. The main activity lines include new data sets such as satellite video or hyper‑spectral imagers, new processing methods such as inverse SAR, micro‑doppler, multi‑data fusion or machine learning‑based pattern recognition and new opportunities for using EO data.
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
Development and assessment of advanced signal processing techniques to improve detection of moving targets
Research on SAR acquisition configurations and processing strategies to enhance spatial resolution and extract motion‑related target parameters
Analysis and development of signal processing methods to characterise the dynamic behaviour of targets
Integration and fusion of SAR‑derived information to support improved target detection, classification, and characterisation for security‑related use cases
Assessment of the state of the art in SAR‑based target detection and security applications
Interaction with scientific, industrial, and operational stakeholders, including support for end‑user consultations
Contribution to research dissemination activities, including the preparation of scientific and technical publications and participation in workshops and events
Objectives by the end of the traineeship
Acquired in‑depth technical knowledge of spaceborne SAR systems and products
Developed hands‑on experience in signal processing techniques for moving target analysis
Strengthened experience in collaborative research environments involving academic, industrial and operational stakeholders
Enhanced scientific communication skills through contributions to high‑quality technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications
Knowledge and experience
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities; knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects. You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering 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 may be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional prospects and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
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. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of Germany or permanent residents of Germany 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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Job Requisition ID: 20518
Date Posted: 22 April 2026
Closing Date: 20 May 2026 23:59 CET/CEST
Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
Overview
As a National Graduate Trainee, you will join a team in the Enterprise Section within the Green Solutions Division in the Earth Observation Directorate’s Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. Our team works on the development of innovative new applications of Earth Observation data. The main activity lines include new data sets such as satellite video or hyper‑spectral imagers, new processing methods such as inverse SAR, micro‑doppler, multi‑data fusion or machine learning‑based pattern recognition and new opportunities for using EO data.
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
Development and assessment of advanced signal processing techniques to improve detection of moving targets
Research on SAR acquisition configurations and processing strategies to enhance spatial resolution and extract motion‑related target parameters
Analysis and development of signal processing methods to characterise the dynamic behaviour of targets
Integration and fusion of SAR‑derived information to support improved target detection, classification, and characterisation for security‑related use cases
Assessment of the state of the art in SAR‑based target detection and security applications
Interaction with scientific, industrial, and operational stakeholders, including support for end‑user consultations
Contribution to research dissemination activities, including the preparation of scientific and technical publications and participation in workshops and events
Objectives by the end of the traineeship
Acquired in‑depth technical knowledge of spaceborne SAR systems and products
Developed hands‑on experience in signal processing techniques for moving target analysis
Strengthened experience in collaborative research environments involving academic, industrial and operational stakeholders
Enhanced scientific communication skills through contributions to high‑quality technical reports and peer‑reviewed publications
Knowledge and experience
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities; knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects. You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering 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 may be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional prospects and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
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. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of Germany or permanent residents of Germany 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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