ESAC: ESA's window on the Universe

The European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) is the home of ESA’s astronomy, planetary and solar/heliospheric missions. Located near Madrid, Spain, ESAC is where all ESA’s science missions are conducted and the resulting data is calibrated, processed, stored and distributed. A few well-known examples of these missions are BepiColombo, Cassini–Huygens,?Exomars, Gaia, Herschel, Hubble, JUICE, Mars Express, Planck, Rosetta, ?Solar Orbiter, Webb, ?and XMM-Newton.

Not only is ESAC one of ESA’s centres of excellence for space science, it is also an important site for space technology, hosting one of ESA’s three deep-space ground stations. These facilities allow ESA’s engineers to gather data from distant missions in our Solar System, from Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and beyond.

ESAC is also an important nexus for educational activities, with its Cooperation through Education in Science and Astronomy Research (CESAR) programme providing access to the stars for future scientists and engineers.

Where we are

ESAC is located in Villafranca del Castillo, close to Villanueva de la Ca?ada in the Comunidad de Madrid. Evergreen oaks and the ruins of the Castillo de Aulencia make a spectacular backdrop for the high-tech vista of ESAC's large antennas and modern buildings. Amenities such as sports facilities, schools, medical centres, restaurants and a shopping centre are within close reach and its many green open spaces makes it perfect for nature lovers. With the vibrant capital Madrid only 20 minutes away, residents truly have the best of both worlds.

We spoke to Jan Reerink, Head of the Data Science Section, to ask for his insights into European space activities at ESAC.?

Can you tell us more about the European Space Astronomy Centre?

ESAC is the heart of our space science missions, we host the missions’ science operations centres as well as their archives, vast treasure troves of data fuelling scientific initiatives around the world. We are located outside of Madrid in a small, wooded valley with old castle ruins watching over our offices and satellite dishes. It is one of the most beautiful ESA sites in my opinion.

How would you describe the work environment?

It is not the biggest ESA site, but that contributes to the good atmosphere. You frequently get to meet experts from fields such as planetary science, astronomy and fundamental physics, so it is a great place to learn. We are lucky to have a very diverse and international work environment with many links to academia and industry, which I like a lot.

Can you highlight one exciting mission?

It is difficult to pick just one - but JUICE is pretty exciting! It was recently launched towards Jupiter with the aim of exploring whether some of its’ icy moons may provide the pre-conditions for life. Contributing to this kind of mission - even a little - and meeting the great team behind it is very satisfying and a lot of fun. From the perspective of someone who likes working with data, the wide range of instruments aboard gets us excited as well.

What type of professionals is ESAC looking for?

Many of the roles here have a strong focus on scientific excellence in space sciences and related skills on instrument operations or software engineering. Our work on leading-edge space missions increasingly requires capabilities in innovative areas such as machine learning engineering as well. While many of us work for the Science Directorate we also have colleagues from several other directorates at ESAC, so there is quite a variety of jobs to do. We are happy to meet people who share our passion for the exploration of space and appreciate professionals who contribute to meaningful change.

What do you like most about life in Spain?

There are many positive aspects about living in Spain, such as exciting cities or the beautiful recreational areas in the countryside. But what stands out to me is the openness and warmth of the people; I have felt very welcome from the first day and found it very easy for me and my family to integrate.

Any tips for future applicants?

There are many paths that lead to ESAC; aside from staff positions (including 250 professionals on site, contracted by our supporting partners) ?we offer opportunities for internships, traineeships, research fellowships, options for visiting scientists, supervision of Master or Ph.D. theses or working with one of the teams from industry supporting our missions. You might want to follow us to not miss any opportunity.

"The European Science Astronomy Centre is the home of ESA’s Science Programme. The scientific data of all our heliophysics, planetary science and astrophysics missions flow through ESAC to be distributed to the vibrant scientific community in ESA’s Member States and around the world."

Markus Kissler-Patig, Head of the Science & Operations Department

Join us at ESAC

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. The mission of the Science Programme is to empower Europe to lead space science.

We are currently looking for a Science Operations System Engineer to join our team at ESAC and support us with the design, implementation and testing of the science ground system, in particular the science operation centres of our science missions. You will initially be assigned to the JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) mission, which will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large ocean-bearing moons – Ganymede, Callisto and Europa.

Launch your career and apply here .

Head to ESA’s Cosmos pages for more information on ESA’s Research Fellowships in Space Science.

We are always looking to recruit professionals from engineering, science and business services to join our teams and work on inspiring missions at the heart of European space activities! Check out other opportunities here

What we offer

The people who work at ESA are key to our success and are our most valuable asset. ESA offers attractive employment conditions, including a range of benefits, programmes and allowances to promote a multi-cultural, supportive, inclusive and family-friendly working environment. Learn more about what we offer here.

Diversity and inclusiveness are at the heart of ESA’s values. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.