Intern in the Civil Security from Space Office

Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications

Our team and mission

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

Europe is facing increasingly significant challenges including humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and human-induced disasters such as cybercrime and geopolitical instability. We need to act swiftly to protect European citizens and ensure prosperity. The Civil Security from Space Programme (CSS) supports industry active across Telecommunications, Earth Observation, and Navigation disciplines, with the objective of developing the necessary integrated space systems and tools to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of crisis response efforts.

The CSS programme is multi-disciplined, bridging across Satellite Communications, Earth Observation, and Navigation capabilities to bring the appropriate advanced satellite solutions. It includes in-space data processing, smart connectivity and data transfer solutions, autonomous operations, decision making using artificial intelligence, and the implementation of many applications to serve a range of use-cases like law enforcement, maritime safety, critical infrastructure monitoring, protection of natural resources, emergency response, and health efforts.

The CSS programme activities contribute directly to the ESA Accelerator vision on Rapid and Resilient Crisis Response.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Crisis Response Projects Initiation

The CSS Programme focuses on harnessing space-based solutions to enable swift responses to humanitarian crises, cybersecurity, and emergency events. The goal is to leverage space assets, such as Earth Observation, Navigation, Sensors, and telecom sources, for the benefit of European citizens and institutions. We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative individual to support the development of new ideas, concepts, and projects together with the CSS team. This role involves engaging with industry, civil security, crisis actors, and end users, shaping new projects in response to identified needs and priorities.

The projects can foster new capabilities by leveraging current space systems and technologies and introducing advanced functionalities like Artificial Intelligence, in-space computing, new user communications devices, positioning and navigation solutions, sophisticated data management systems, and new user applications.

Your tasks will include:

• User needs assessment: Review the user needs from a wide range of priority civil security and crisis response use-cases, in consultation with international organisations, industry, working groups, and use-case-specific stakeholders.
• System Concept: Assess state-of-the-art EO, Satcom, and Navigation systems and identify adaptations or evolution of such solutions to accommodate user needs. Utilize technologies like on-board computing, cloud solutions, AI capabilities, smart data handling and connectivity solutions, scalability, and security considerations.
• Project Initiation: Support the buildup of new projects and initiatives in response to system and technology roadmaps.
• Maintain a portfolio of opportunities: Build and maintain a portfolio of project opportunities, coordinate and follow up on potential projects, and play a prominent role in bringing these projects to fruition.

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 of either satcom, EO or Navigation satellite systems, applications, and/or AI technologies is an asset;

Natural curiosity and a passion for creativity with a can-do attitude is considered very important;

• Good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment as part of a team.
• A good proficiency in English is required.

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 one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).