Intern in the Future Navigation Department, System Engineering for the Genesis Mission

Internship Opportunity in the Future Navigation Department: System Engineering for the Genesis Mission

Our team and mission

The Genesis mission is part of the ESA Navigation Directorate and is scheduled for launch in 2028. Currently in its early development stages, the Genesis satellite will integrate the main geodetic techniques: VLBI (Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry), SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), and DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radio positioning Integrated by Satellite). By flying these four geodetic techniques on one well-calibrated satellite, individual biases of the techniques can be removed, enabling the creation of an updated global model of Earth—the International Terrestrial Reference Frame. This model is crucial for applications ranging from land surveying to measuring sea level rise, achieving accuracy down to 1 mm and tracking ground motion of just 0.1 mm per year. This improvement will have a major impact in multiple navigation and Earth science applications, including enhancing the precision of the Galileo navigation system.

The ESA project team is small and supported by experts as required, working closely with industry and the scientific community to develop the mission in a ‘New Space’ approach as far as feasible. Both the space and ground segments will be under design during the internship period, offering the opportunity for the intern to work closely with experienced experts on system-level space mission design.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: System Engineering and Performance Simulations for the Genesis Mission

You will report to the Genesis System and Operations Manager within the ESA Navigation Directorate. You will carry out tasks and grow your knowledge in the system engineering and payload/system performance domain, supporting the execution of Genesis mission engineering-related activities within the project and industrial consortium, and participating in the critical design phase of the mission.

Main assignments:

• GNSS Simulation Work, including testing with hardware in the loop:
  • Consolidation of Genesis reference scenario using available test equipment in the ESA lab (GNSS simulators and prototype receivers)
  • Assessment of GNSS performance in the Genesis orbit
• GNSS/VLBI/SLR/DORIS performance simulations and assessment:
  • Review and analysis of key performance parameters of the four Genesis instruments and their combination for the achievement of the Genesis mission goals
  • Preparation of Genesis operational scenarios and exploitation of the science data

This is an opportunity to be part of the system engineering team of a small mission in the design phase, where several interesting topics need to be covered. You will have access to experienced team members to further develop your engineering skills and demonstrate your ability to work independently on specific tasks.

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, and 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.
• Your motivation for applying to this role will be explored during the interview.
• You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset.
• You should demonstrate that you can work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, international team environment; also, you should be results-oriented and capable of presenting practical solutions both verbally and in writing.
• It is also key that you have a good technical background from university; analytical, organisational and reporting skills; a proactive attitude to solving problems; and an interest in innovative technologies and methodologies.

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 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply, as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).