Intern in the Electrical Department - Flight Software Section

Intern in the Electrical Department - Flight Software Section is based at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

• Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
• Type of Appointment: Intern
• Date Posted: 1 November 2026
• Closing Date: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Our team and mission

The Avionics and EEE Division plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and advancement of spacecraft avionics and component technologies. Its mission spans design assurance, qualification, and testing of EEE components, as well as radiation hardness assurance for space systems in its domain of responsibility. The division operates specialised laboratories and provides expertise to ESA projects, industry, and research partners. It actively disseminates knowledge through internal and external training, conference participation, and tutoring of PhD students, ESA Graduate Trainees (EGTs), and National Trainees, fostering innovation and professional growth.

Components

The Section is responsible for ensuring that all EEEE Components (passive & active) flown on ESA missions are suitable for their application and the environment for which they are intended, lead the development of EEEE Components and their qualification. European Space Component Coordination (ESCC) executives and actively supporting European Cooperation for Space Standardisation (ECSS) standardisation activities. The section conducts Research and Development (R&D) activities in their domain of responsibility.

Radiation & Component Reliability

The Section is responsible for assessing all aspects of EEEE Component Radiation Effects to ensure EEEE Components flown on ESA Missions are suitable for the Radiation Environment and their assigned application for the duration of the mission. It is also responsible for all EEEE Component laboratory Test and Analysis activities. The section conducts R&D activities in their domain of responsibility and manages the EEEE Component Laboratory Facility. Actively supporting ESCC/ECSS standardisation activities.

Microelectronics

The section is responsible for development and verification of all Microelectronic devices flown on ESA missions such as AI Accelerators, FPGAs, ASICs, Microprocessors, microelectronic processes, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), radiation-aware design, prototyping and test for space-grade microelectronics. The section conducts R&D activities in their domain of responsibility and manages the Microelectronics Laboratory Facility. Actively supporting ECSS standardisation activities.

Avionic Architecture

Responsible for supporting all ESA missions in the area of Avionics Sub-System development, their verification and validation, and their qualification within the framework of the agency's strategic objectives.

Data Handling

Responsible for on-board data handling sub-systems (Platform and Payload). Responsible for developing and qualifying equipment for data acquisition, processing, and distribution (buses, interfaces, mass-memory, data-processing chains, remote interface units, etc.). On-board data processing is an important focus of the section including development of turn-key AI HW solutions for ESA Missions. The section conducts R&D activities in their domain of responsibility and manages the Data Handling Laboratory Facility. Actively supporting ECSS/CCSDS standardisation activities.

Flight Software

This section designs and maintains flight software for spacecraft control and payload management. It addresses real-time operating systems, fault detection and recovery, and software validation frameworks. The team also explores advanced concepts such as AI-assisted on-board processing, ensuring adaptability and resilience in increasingly complex missions. The section conducts R&D activities in their domain of responsibility and manages the Flight Software Laboratory Facility. Actively supporting ECSS/CCSDS standardisation activities.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Enabling the Next Generation of Spacecraft with Linux

You will create and validate a mixed criticality multicore processor configuration accommodating both Linux and a real-time operating system (such as RTEMS). The solution will be deployed on a range of on-board computer platforms. The work will be published as a reference framework enabling a wide range of missions to benefit from novel hardware solutions developed within the Avionics and EEE Division.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with (real-time) Linux in the context of space missions, work with cutting-edge open-source technologies, and contribute to the development of reliable software platforms for future spacecraft.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge and background in the following areas is an asset:

• Linux kernel configuration;
• Yocto Project;
• U-boot boot loader;
• Real-time embedded software development;
• Real-time Operating Systems (e.g. RTEMS);
• Understanding of at least one of the following architectures: SPARC / ARMv7-A / RISC-V.

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.