ESA is recruiting an Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Advanced Materials and Process Engineering at ECSAT in Harwell, UK. Applications close October 13, 2026.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Advanced Materials and Process Engineering at its European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in Harwell, United Kingdom.
The traineeship is part of ESA’s National Graduate Trainee Programme, which provides recent master’s graduates with practical experience across space-related disciplines.
Applications close on October 13, 2026.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | European Space Agency (ESA) |
| Programme | National Graduate Trainee |
| Field | Advanced Materials and Process Engineering |
| Location | Harwell, United Kingdom |
| Directorate | Technology, Engineering and Quality |
| Appointment | National Graduate Trainee |
| Grade | F1 |
| Requisition ID | 20894 |
| Posted | September 15, 2026 |
| Deadline | October 13, 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST |
What the Traineeship Involves
The traineeship is based within ESA’s Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division and focuses on advanced materials, manufacturing processes and their applications to spacecraft and launchers.
The work is connected to ESA’s Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory at ECSAT, which evaluates emerging manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing and advanced joining techniques.
The Advanced Manufacturing Cross-Cutting Initiative focuses on advanced manufacturing technologies, advanced materials and smart manufacturing approaches using interconnected digital technologies.
Key Areas of Work
The trainee may work on activities including:
- Investigating emerging materials and manufacturing processes.
- Assessing advanced non-destructive inspection techniques.
- Studying the relationship between raw material quality and performance of additively manufactured components.
- Testing fundamental powder properties.
- Designing and producing test coupons.
- Testing 3D-printed structures, including tensile and fatigue testing.
- Analysing defects in manufactured components.
- Investigating multi-laser additive manufacturing.
- Supporting virtual testing and digital twinning.
- Linking manufacturing processes, material structures and performance for computational materials engineering models.
The trainee will use facilities at the ECSAT Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory and work closely with the ESTEC Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory, with particular emphasis on additive manufacturing.
Who Can Apply?
Education
Applicants should have just completed or be in the final year of a master’s degree in materials science, covering metallic, polymeric and/or composite materials.
Experience and Skills
Relevant experience can include internships, university projects, extracurricular activities or other related work.
ESA also looks for:
- Knowledge of relevant technical and functional areas.
- General knowledge of the space sector.
- Knowledge of ESA and its programmes or projects.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team.
- Previous experience working in international teams is an asset.
Nationality Requirement
This is an Estonian National Graduate Trainee position.
Applications can only be considered from nationals of Estonia or permanent residents of Estonia who hold the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member or Cooperating State.
A good knowledge of English or French is required because these are ESA’s working languages.
Additional Information
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export-control and sanctions regulations.
ESA may use selection tests during recruitment, and successful candidates will undergo basic security screening before appointment.
ESA states that it is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes qualified applicants regardless of characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, age or disability.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
October 13, 2026, at 23:59 CET/CEST.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official ESA Careers platform.
Applicants should review the official vacancy carefully before submitting their application.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This ESA traineeship is focused on materials science, additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies for space applications.
It is particularly relevant to recent or final-year master’s students in materials science covering metallic, polymeric or composite materials. The nationality requirement is important because this specific National Graduate Trainee opportunity is restricted to eligible Estonian applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ESA National Graduate Trainee Programme?
ESA’s National Graduate Trainee Programme provides recent master’s graduates with practical, hands-on experience in space-related disciplines.
Where is this traineeship based?
The position is based at ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom.
What field of study is required?
Applicants should have a master’s degree, or be in the final year, in materials science, covering metallic, polymeric and/or composite materials.
What does the traineeship focus on?
The work focuses on advanced materials, additive manufacturing, manufacturing processes, testing and space applications.
Who is eligible by nationality?
Applications can only be considered from eligible Estonian nationals or qualifying permanent residents of Estonia.
Is knowledge of English required?
Yes. A good knowledge of English or French is required.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on October 13, 2026, at 23:59 CET/CEST.ormational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the European Space Agency (ESA) and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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