Camillo Malnati, Software Engineer for SpaceCube, European Space Agency

To help current students and recent graduates navigate the world of work, several USI Alumni shared their career paths and career story. Here the story of Camillo Malnati, Software Engineer for SpaceCube in ESA - European Space Agency in Darmstadt (D). USI Degrees: Master in Software & Data Engineering, 2020 and Bachelor in Informatics, 2018.

How did you start your career?

I started my career as Young Graduate Trainee (YGT) at the European Space Operations Center (ESOC) in Darmstadt, for the European Space Agency (ESA). I worked two years as YGT and I am now continuing my career as contractor for ESA.

Why did you choose a career in ESA - European Space Agency?

About three years ago ESA presented the new YGTs and job opportunities at USI, in a dedicated evening. At the time I was beginning my master thesis and I was already interested in space related news, I decided to apply for the best fitting position ESA could offer me.

What is your current role/duties?

I am working on Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), providing engineering and software support on various projects. DTN provides solutions for long distance communications with large delays and it is relevant for future Moon exploration missions as well as interplanetary networks.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

USI provided a great technical preparation and hands-on experience. They were fundamental at the beginning of my career and still are.

What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

More than a specific competence I think learning how to acquire new skills is fundamental in Informatics. New technologies and methodologies will always be present and one cannot learn them all in a study program. However, USI taught me how to acquire new skills by myself, so that I could learn any competence needed for the future.