Astronaut Training Engineer

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Closing Date: 4 November :59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Space Training Team designs, develops, and implements training for astronauts and ground support personnel for the International Space Station (ISS) and the planned Gateway station, to be placed in lunar orbit.

ESA astronauts receive initial basic training after taking up duty, including training for extravehicular activities (EVA). Pre-assignment training allows astronauts to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes until they are assigned to a mission. During this phase, astronauts may receive aircraft pilot training and participate in additional parabolic flights. During assigned crew training, they undergo training at international partner sites, including EVA training focusing on the relevant EVA suit and mission.

The Space Training Team includes specialists in instructional techniques, spacecraft systems, scientific payloads, and human spaceflight operations, who interact to ensure an efficient and effective training programme for astronaut and ground support personnel trainees. The training infrastructure operated by the Team includes the Neutral Buoyancy Facility (NBF) used for EVA training.

In this position, you will report to the Head of the Space Training Team.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• developing courses for EVA qualification for astronauts
• implementing courses for EVA qualification for astronauts and ground support personnel
• acting as EVA Lead Instructor for ESA
• defining and supervising training programmes and certification for support diver personnel
• leading the NBF Team and managing related service contracts
• supervising and executing Neutral Buoyancy Facility maintenance and improvements
• coordinating with NASA and other international partner training organisations for EVA
• developing new training tools and solutions for future exploration missions to and beyond low Earth orbit
• defining, planning, and coordinating aircraft flight skill training for astronauts
• selecting and supervising contractors for aircraft flight skill training
• defining, planning, and coordinating familiarisation and skills training for weightlessness on parabolic flights
• contributing to the communication activities of the Directorate

Your duties will also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

• Extensive experience in operational SCUBA diving
• Experience as a SCUBA diving instructor (PADI or similar)
• Experience in spaceflight operations or spaceflight training
• Experience in coordinating operational campaigns with multiple participants
• Experience in parabolic flights

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

A master’s degree is required for this post.

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. 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. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at

Important Information and Disclaimer

Recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations. During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures. Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

Nationality and Languages

Applications are only considered from nationals 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. 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.

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