Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department, Optical Instruments Section

Internship Opportunity in the Future Missions and Architecture Department, Optical Instruments Section

Our team and mission

Our team is dedicated to the end-to-end definition, engineering, technology breadboarding, and pre-development of optical payload systems for future Earth Observation (EO) missions. These missions encompass both research-oriented projects, such as Earth Explorers, Missions of Opportunity, and Scout missions, as well as operational missions like Copernicus and meteorology missions. The primary activities involve the development of various EO payloads, including multispectral imagers, imaging spectrometers, Fourier-Transform spectrometers, and active laser payloads. These payloads are designed for Earth surface and atmosphere sensing, covering a broad wavelength range from ultraviolet to far infrared. The team works closely with other staff from the Future Missions and Instruments Division and from D/EOP and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering & Quality (D/TEC) and other Directorates involved in optical engineering activities.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: EO imager and spectrometer instrument performance modelling

You will contribute to the development of a performance simulation model for imager and spectrometer instruments to be used for early instrument development phases. The model is based on a Python code and simulates spatial, optical, spectral, and radiometric performances of an instrument (over a full detector grid):

• The geometrical package calculates parameters like pixel line of sight, focal lengths, spatial sample sizes.
• The optical package simulates effects of diffraction and aberrations as well as basic straylight.
• The spectral package (spectrometer) calculates the ISRF.
• The radiometric package calculates the radiometric performance (spectrally resolved) of the instrument.

Your work will be separated into three activities. The detailed workplan will be adapted over the activity:

• Working on the model:
  • Review and correction of existing model (coding of physical and optical effects).
  • Development of further functionalities (large field detectors, advanced simulation of components - e.g. gratings, different detector types, graphical user interface).
• Enhancing model accessibility:
  • Generation of user manual and algorithm baseline.
  • Execution of model reviews and model verification campaigns.
• Application of the model:
  • Application of model during reviews in the department.
  • Contribute to the preliminary dimensioning of future instrument.

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 and background in physics and optical instruments is required.
• Knowledge and background in mathematical programming is an asset.

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. 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

Please note that 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.