Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department, System Architect Office

Internship Opportunity in the Future Missions and Architecture Department, System Architect Office

Our team and mission

The ESA Earth Observation System Architecture Office (EOP-FA) investigates new domains in Earth Observation, including innovative methods and technologies. EOP-FA establishes an end-to-end system (of systems) view of ESA’s Earth Observation activities, in synergy with European, national, and commercial Earth Observation programmes.

EOP-FA explores new domains for Earth Observation, permanently searching for innovation with an active external network to gather information and with benchmarking versus other organisations, including the preparation of demonstrators and showcases to support funding decisions.

The main outcome of EOP-FA is the development of an overall reference architecture for European Earth Observation systems, via consultation of mission authorities of ESA Member States, EU and EUMETSAT, as well as scenarios for its future evolution taking into account new technologies and applications and the emergence of commercial systems including New Space activities.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Developing Earth Observation Scenarios for the European Earth Observation Ecosystem

You will develop innovative technical Earth Observation scenarios and apply or develop relevant simulation tools to analyse the effectiveness of the use of Earth Observation satellite systems in synergy. The analysis will identify gaps in capability and explore opportunities for new systems of systems architectures and Earth system observatory concepts considering evolving European user needs in a holistic manner. Analyses will cover the 2024 - 2040 and 2040 – 2060 time horizons.

Initial scenarios are to be built around mandatory core missions with reference quality performances (e.g. large Copernicus missions) complemented by other elements in a mixed system architecture approach. Potential tools and guidelines include initial EO system scenarios, internal databases as well as complementary approaches to benchmark system design and compare different scenarios.

These activities offer ample scope for the successful candidate to develop a detailed understanding of future EO space system architecture development using a system analysis-scenario based approach.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying 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 of Earth Observation remote sensing technologies and the respective downstream science and applications
• Knowledge of relevant strategic and technological trends and developments inside/outside the space EO domain
• IT knowledge in the areas of databases and programming (e.g. Python)

Important Information and Disclaimer

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

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).