Intern in the Radio Navigation Systems and Techniques Section

Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality

Our Team and Mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) - Noordwijk, Netherlands

The Radio Navigation Systems and Techniques Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technology research and development (R&D) in radio navigation systems, signal-in-space, system performance, algorithms, receivers, and techniques and equipment for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) applications on ground and in space.

The Section also covers radio navigation techniques and technologies, elements and subsystems to generate, receive, exploit, and analyse signals from current and upcoming radio navigation systems (Galileo/G2G, GPS, GLONASS, EGNOS, BEIDOU, LEO-PNT, Moonlight, Marconi, Genesis, FutureNAV), including system design tools and navigation equipment. The emphasis is on engineering aspects, PNT/GNSS systems and sub-systems evolution, design and technological demonstrator and user receiver prototyping and, in particular, navigation system design, tools and test-beds, novel navigation techniques and equipment design/prototyping, space receivers, deep space navigation, formation-flying RF metrology, 5G/6G positioning, and multi-layer PNT.

Field(s) of Activity for the Internship

Topic of the internship: Positioning with 5G/6G NTN and LEO Signals of Opportunity

You will contribute to the activities of the Radio Navigation Systems and Techniques Section in the area of positioning with 5G/6G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and LEO Signals of Opportunity, as well as hybridization with other systems in the context of multi-layer PNT.

You will be involved in the following hands-on topics:

• Support to the development and integration of the 5G and Signals of Opportunity testbeds in the ESTEC Navigation Laboratory;
• Consolidation of the internal state-of-the-art simulation and analysis tools, and multi-layer receiver processing tools;
• Characterization of 5G NTN signals and LEO signals of opportunity for positioning;
• Execution of 5G NTN and LEO Signals of Opportunity monitoring and processing campaigns.

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 a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Knowledge and background in telecommunication engineering or satellite positioning is an asset.

Other Information

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, 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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of specific Member States and Associate Member States.