Intern in the Electrical Department, Satellite Communications

Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality

Location: European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) - Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our Team and Mission

Under the direct authority of the Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality, the Head of the Systems Department (TEC-S) provides Programme Directorates with system engineering support. The Head of the Systems Department also supports ESA programmes in:

• End-to-End Performance System Engineering;
• Space Segment Systems Engineering;
• In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation;
• Development of Future Engineering Tools and Processes (including artificial intelligence, sustainable engineering, simulation excellence, model-based system and engineering);
• Cross-cutting and interdisciplinary initiatives and R&D prioritisation to TEC-R;
• Coordination and management of standardisation.

Under the authority of the Head of the Systems Department, the Head of the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE) supports projects for the Engineering of E2E systems, defines technology developments, and manages verification and validation facilities as well as engineering standards.

TEC-SE supports and develops engineering competencies for:

• E2E generic engineering tools and processes;
• All aspects of Security engineering, including cyber security, crypto, and hardware and software security;
• Telecommunication and Connectivity systems;
• Radio Navigation and PNT Systems, Formation Flying, and RF metrology;
• E2E System Comms for Telemetry, Telecommand, and Payload Data Dissemination, including Tracking, Ranging, Radio Science, and Time Transfer functions.

The engineering competence for this internship relates to E2E System Comms for TT&C, PDT, Ranging, Radio Science, and Time Transfer functions.

Field of Activity for the Internship: Satellite Communications

The internship involves Assessment and End-to-End Analysis of Space Communications links, including TT&C links for Science and Exploration missions up to Deep Space, and/or PDT Links for Earth Observation missions. Your tasks will include:

• Assessment of techniques;
• Performing simulations;
• Validation in TT&C laboratory;
• Upgrading existing simulators in PYTHON or other languages;
• Support the development and testing of Software Defined Radio prototyping platforms for TT&C/PDT applications using tools like GNU radio.

The analysis covers assessment of modulation, coding, acquisition, and tracking techniques for satellite TT&C and PDT links. Participation as a TT&C expert team member in early design studies of future space missions is included.

Behavioural Competencies

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

Education

You must be a university student in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's course, and you need to remain enrolled for the internship's duration.

Additional Requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one is required; knowledge of another Member State language is an asset. The topic requires educational knowledge including:

• Experience with basic laboratory hardware usage and testing;
• Knowledge of MATLAB, PYTHON, or other programming languages;
• Familiarity with satellite communications.

Other Information

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive environment. Applications from women are encouraged. We value diversity and welcome people with disabilities, providing necessary workplace support. For assistance, contact us at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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

Applications are considered from nationals of certain states, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and more. Associate Member States, Cooperating States, and European Cooperating States such as Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Canada, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus, can also apply.