Intern in the Electrical Department, Radiation and Component Reliability Section

Internship Opportunity in the Electrical Department, Radiation and Component Reliability Section

Our team and mission

The Avionics & EEE Division is responsible for all aspects related to Avionics (with inputs from AOCS/GNC), Data Systems, Microelectronics, Flight Software and EEE Components and associated laboratory facilities. The responsibilities also extend to technology/product development and support to standardisation.

More specifically, the Division’s responsibilities encompass:

• Definition of Avionics architecture (with inputs from AOCS/GNC), including procurement of associated products and supported through the Division’s following responsibilities:
  • On-board computer and Data Handling (PL/PF) for space systems, including their procurement and end-to-end validation (in close collaboration with TEC-EF);
  • Engineering of on-board software in all phases, including pre-development and independent verification & validation of critical software, supporting software-system and functional engineering activities.
• Microelectronics and EEE Components:
  • Microelectronic devices and systems, including development of radiation hardening techniques for such systems;
  • EEE Components, both passive and active, including product development, qualification, reliability, and Radiation Hardness Assurance in support of TEC-Q;
  • Contribution to the European Space Component Coordination (ESCC) and all associated activities.
• Development and operation of a reference laboratory for components evaluation against the space environment (including radiation), reliability assessment, Data Systems, Microelectronics, and Flight Software domains.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Radiation and Electronics Components Reliability

In collaboration with lab engineers working in the materials and electronic components laboratory, you will participate in quality and reliability test activities on Electrical Electronic and Electromechanic (EEE) components. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with semiconductor characterisation, quality and reliability testing. Possible subjects for the internship are outlined below; you should indicate in your motivation letter the area and subject of interest.

• Area A: Measurement and Characterisation of Integrated Circuits (IC)
  • A1_ Microelectronics Measurement and Testing
    Participation in the setup and execution of IC measurement and testing protocols using advanced equipment, such as Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), Oscilloscopes, Source Measurement Units (SMU), Parameter analysers, to characterise components or complex System on Chip (SOC) testing. Participation in the setup and execution of quality and reliability analysis of Integrated Circuits, including fault localization on electronics devices: lock-in thermography, photon emission microscopy, electron beam induced current, etc.
  • A2_ Radiation Hardness Assurance characterisation
    Participation in characterisation and radiation tests of ICs under various radiation environments. Automated Test System (ATS) on Components off the Shelf (COTS) – Programming and development of electronics tests for radiation effects. Sample preparation, testing, and results analysis in various radiation environments.
  • A3_ Dosimetry based on Si
    Participation in the development and validation of methods for X-ray dosimetry based on MOSFETs, with the aim of measuring dose and dose profiles during CT scan X-ray analyses on electronics components and boards.
• Area B: Technology communication and outreach
  • In collaboration with lab engineers, list and describe methodologies and equipment used for EEE components test and analysis for various audiences.
  • Prepare narratives and scripts to effectively present laboratory equipment and activities for guided tours.
  • Perform weekly/monthly guided tours addressing different categories of visitors (students, general public, internal colleagues, technical experts, etc.), adapting content and communication style to the audience.

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.

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

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.