Intern in the Systems Department, Space Segment AIT/AIV Section

Internship Opportunity in the Systems Department, Space Segment AIT/AIV Section

Our team and mission

The Space Segment Systems Engineering Division at ESTEC is responsible for supporting projects with space segment system engineering expertise, covering space platforms, payload/instrument systems, and the ground validation of the space segment. The Division’s responsibilities include:

• Platform system activities such as system design, trading and evaluation, requirements management (including traceability, consistency, flow down to subsystem/unit level and internal/external interfaces), VCD, system budgets, coordination of verification activities, support to FDIR definition, and system modes management.
• Support to operations concept, launch and in-flight commissioning, implementation of space sustainability practices and policies, interdisciplinary and cross-cutting initiatives, and development of future space platforms.
• Payload/instrument system activities including payload design at spacecraft level, interfacing with optical/RF chain experts, payload requirements management, and support to payload AIV/AIT.
• Space Segment system AIV/AIT activities covering all system level and payload verification aspects, including assembly integration, environmental and functional testing, preparation and support to launch campaign, LEOP, and commissioning.
• Development and verification processes, including real-time test bench technologies.
• Development of EGSE systems and associated ground software products and technologies in close collaboration with all ESA stakeholders to achieve synergies with ground control systems, including information modelling, system databases, and data repositories.

The internship is offered within a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-thinking team focused on providing expert support to Projects at System, Subsystems, and Instrument levels in the Assembly, Integration, Verification, Testing, and Programmatic domains. The TEC-SYA team supports both ongoing and future missions, throughout project phases including integration and test phases, Environmental Test Campaigns, and Launch Campaigns.

The demand by Projects for support in logistical matters is increasing, particularly regarding procedures for customs formalities and tariffs related to non-EU campaigns, as well as issues associated with export control and logistics. The selected candidate will contribute to exploring Project needs with respect to logistical aspects in preparation of test and launch campaigns, focusing on collecting information on the evolving scenario concerning tariffs, required custom formalities, and associated documentation.

The working environment is international, multidisciplinary, and highly supportive of learning, innovation, and professional growth. You will be mentored by experienced engineers and will have the opportunity to interact with professionals across various domains, gaining insight into the full lifecycle of space missions. The team values curiosity, proactivity, initiative, and collaboration, and encourages interns to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: AIT engineering in logistics in preparation of test and launch campaigns

As an intern, you will contribute to exploring Project needs with respect to logistical aspects in preparation of test and launch campaigns, focusing on collecting information on the evolving scenario concerning tariffs, required custom formalities, and associated documentation.

Your tasks will include:

• Coordinating with other entities in charge within the Agency to get acquainted with current organization and split of responsibilities.
• Reviewing international regulations to identify and extract relevant info applicable to logistics of ESA Projects.
• Collecting Lessons Learnt and hints from Project teams, aiming to better tune the efforts toward needs.
• Collecting info useful to determine the boundaries of applicable regulations to the extent required by ESA Projects and identify current gaps and needs.
• Proposing a viable way forward aiming to minimise financial and technical risks associated with the logistic domain.
• Preparing a final presentation to present to the TEC-SYA team the findings over the internship period.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of AIV/AIT and associated Logistics. You will develop skills in systems thinking, technical analysis, and communication, while working in an international, multidisciplinary, and innovation-driven environment. We are looking for serious, motivated and proactive persons who can work independently while having a strong team spirit and the ability to collaborate effectively with other persons and entities, contributing to meaningful developments that will shape the future of space exploration and associated key aspects.

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.
• Knowledge and background in systems engineering, FDIR, and software are 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.
• 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.