Intern in the EEE Components Section

Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Electrical Department, 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 standardization. More specifically, TEC-ED 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;
• Contribute 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: Study of methodologies for thermal resistance and junction temperature measurement on electronic devices

Reliability testing on electronic devices requires knowing with extreme accuracy the applied junction temperature and consequently the existing thermal resistance (both at die and package level) on components suitable for space applications. To achieve these parameters, several methodologies are applicable (extrapolation through electrical characterization, infrared thermography analysis, Raman spectrometry, etc.). The scope of the internship is to allow a comparison of these techniques on devices that will be submitted to a preliminary selection and preparation. After a preliminary bibliographic study of techniques and existing methodologies, the selected candidate will be introduced and accompanied in the ESTEC laboratory, which disposes of relevant equipment and tools allowing the performing of such analyses and measurements. A test method program will be defined for the preparation and conditioning of the specimens in conjunction with the conduction of the analyses and the characterizations. A final report will include a detailed description of the applied protocols and of the achieved results leading to a final statement for the suitability of each technique with respect to the selected components/packages.

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 a university course at Master’s level, and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Knowledge and background in semiconductor physics and bench testing implementation are a valuable asset.

Other information

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency, we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply, as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).