Intern in the Mechanical Department - Opto-Electronics Section

Intern in the Mechanical Department - Opto-Electronics Section at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Type of appointment: Intern

Our team and mission

The Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.

In these areas, the section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research.

The section is also developing and operating laboratory test setups and simulation tools.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Depending on your interests, technical competences and project constraints in 2026, you will support one or more of our laboratory activities for example by:

• development of simulation tools for free-space optical communications systems;
• testbed development of advanced spaceborne optoelectronic applications (for optical communication, optical detectors and/or lasers);
• integration and commissioning of upgraded laser induced contamination characterisation setup;
• assembly and commissioning of an optoelectronics test bench for the characterisation of scientific digital CMOS image sensors;
• calibration and validation of Lidar terminals for Guidance, Navigation and Control and In-Orbit Servicing applications.

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 university course 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.

Knowledge and background in working with optical laboratory setups (including lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition or experience in programming and modelling (e.g. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD 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.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, 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.