Intern in the Systems Department - Zero Debris Approach and End-of-Life Management

• Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
• Type of appointment: Intern

Intern in the Systems Department - Zero Debris Approach and End-of-Life Management

Our team and mission

The Sustainability Engineering & Standards Section (TEC-SFS), part of ESA's Future Engineering Division (TEC-SF), supports the development and implementation of sustainable engineering approaches across ESA programmes and projects. The section works at the intersection of system engineering, sustainability and innovation, helping to ensure that future space systems are designed, developed and operated in a more sustainable, efficient and responsible manner.

A significant part of the section's activities is dedicated to supporting ESA's Clean Space initiatives. Working in close collaboration with the Clean Space Office, TEC-SFS engineers contribute to the development and application of methodologies, technologies and engineering practices that advance the long-term sustainability of space activities. This includes activities related to Ecodesign, Zero Debris and the future Circular Economy in Space.

The team supports ESA projects from the earliest mission definition phases through technology development and implementation, helping projects integrate sustainability objectives into system design, engineering trades, verification approaches and operational concepts. Activities span topics such as life cycle assessment, environmental impact reduction, space debris mitigation, sustainable mission design, in-orbit servicing and future circular space architectures.

For interns, TEC-SFS offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge sustainability engineering activities and to support the development of future technologies, missions and engineering approaches that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Zero Debris approach and End-of-Life Management

The traffic in valuable Earth orbits is expected to continue increasing significantly in the coming decades. Despite internationally recognised space debris mitigation guidelines, technical standards and national regulations, the successful disposal of space systems and the prevention of in-orbit break-ups remain major challenges. ESA is addressing these challenges through the implementation of the Zero Debris approach, helping to preserve the space environment for future generations.

You will support the team responsible for further developing the Zero Debris approach and improving the End-of-Life management of current and future missions. Activities may include contributing to engineering studies, requirements, methodologies, technology roadmaps and analyses related to space debris mitigation, disposal strategies and the implementation of Zero Debris objectives across ESA projects.

While the primary focus of the internship will be on Zero Debris and End-of-Life management, opportunities may also arise to contribute to activities in the areas of Ecodesign and In-Orbit Servicing and Circular Economy in Space, depending on the intern's interests and the needs of other ongoing activities.

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.

Having a keen interest in Clean Space activities is beneficial and having a collaborative team spirit is highly valued.

Knowledge and background in Zero Debris, space debris mitigation and/or space system engineering is an asset.

Due to the nature of the post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on the candidate’s availability.

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.