Junior Professional in Space Transportation Strategy, Market Analysis and Engineering

This post is part of ESA’s Junior Professional Programme. The Programme is a four‑year assignment suitable for candidates with up to three years of relevant professional experience after a master’s degree. During this period, you will work, learn on the job, and gain mobility and developmental opportunities to prepare for a successful career at ESA. Depending on your performance, an indefinite contract will be offered at the end of the assignment.

Program

The Junior Professional Programme is a four‑year assignment for candidates with up to three years of relevant professional experience after a master’s degree. During this period you will work and learn on the job and gain mobility and developmental opportunities, preparing for a successful career at ESA. Depending on your performance, an indefinite contract will be offered at the end of the assignment.

Contract and Salary

Recruitment will be at the A1 grade of the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale. Upon completion of the four‑year assignment and offering an indefinite contract, you will be upgraded to the A2 grade.

Location

ESA Headquarters, Paris, France, or other site as required. Developmental assignments may entail a temporary relocation to another ESA establishment or other location.

Description

Junior Professional in Space Transportation Strategy, Market Analysis and Engineering in the Space Transportation Strategy and Coordination Office.

Responsibilities

As a Junior Professional, your tasks and responsibilities will contribute to strengthening the Directorate’s analytical and data management capabilities. Your work will focus on developing robust data tools and delivering structured analyses to support decision‑making. Specific tasks include:

• Developing and maintaining a consolidated data environment for the Office, creating, implementing and maintaining a unified set of databases and associated analytical tools.
• Data coverage: the global launch service offer (including launch activity, technical and pricing data); market demand, both historical and forecast satellite data; internal Collective Launch Service (CLS) information relevant to ESA missions; evolving Directorate needs related to market and technological developments, such as space tugs, in‑orbit services, propulsion systems and launcher–payload interface requirements.
• Monitoring and analysing the global space transportation landscape, supporting systematic collection, consolidation and analysis of information on worldwide launch systems (including micro‑ and mini‑launchers), launch service providers and market dynamics, spaceports and regulatory frameworks, and demand accessible to European launch service providers. This work feeds into regular internal reporting and strategic assessments.
• Delivering analytical inputs on space transportation policies, strategies and regulatory developments; business and market trends in the sector; environmental aspects of space transportation activities.
• Upon request, contributing to specific assessments and analyses supporting other teams within the Directorate and other aligned tasks.

Development Programme

In addition to daily work, you will take part in an extensive learning and development programme. You will learn on the job and benefit from tailored development opportunities, including participation in technical and key skills training courses. Mobility options include internal rotations to other departments or external secondments to relevant industries such as launch service providers or space consultancies.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of technical domains related to space transportation systems.
• Knowledge of the space transportation sector from a business perspective.
• Experience with the setup, management and exploitation of databases.
• Experience with relevant IT tools and building dashboards for market intelligence or strategy analyses, such as Microsoft Power BI, Excel or Access.
• Experience performing market intelligence analyses.

Behavioural Competencies

• Result orientation.
• Operational efficiency.
• Fostering cooperation.
• Relationship management.
• Continuous improvement.
• Forward thinking.

Education and Professional Experience

A master’s degree in engineering or another relevant technical discipline with interdisciplinary research, and up to three years of professional experience.

Additional Requirements

Knowledge of main launch system and payload technical features according to their class of mission, satellite applications, and regulations and policies related to space transportation. Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work independently and in a small team, strong analytical and writing skills, and proficiency in English.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. We also accommodate individuals with disabilities when possible and provide assistance during the recruitment process.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. The Agency may request selection tests and background screening before appointment.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are considered only from nationals of the EU Member States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. Working languages are English and French; proficiency in one of these is required, and knowledge of another member state language is an asset.