Intern in the Electrical Department, Flight Software Section

Internship Opportunity in the Electrical Department, Flight Software Section

Our team and mission

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 standardisation.

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 spacecraft flight software in all phases, including requirements specification, architecture and detailed design, and verification & validation of critical software, supporting software-system, operations 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: Benchmarking on Multicore Space Processors

A benchmarking infrastructure has been recently set up in the ESA Flight SW lab, to evaluate multicore processors for space applications. The facility includes GR712RC, GR740 and GR765 processors and a suite of benchmark software. This task focuses on using that setup to experiment with various processor configurations, software scheduling concepts, run performance benchmarks and analyse the results.

You will work with real-time embedded software, primarily using RTEMS on LEON and RISC-V-based devices, to assess system behaviour under various configurations. The outcome will help guide future development and optimisation of multicore software for space missions.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with processors used in space missions, work with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the development of reliable software platforms for future spacecraft.

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.

Experience in the following areas is an asset:

• Real-time embedded software development
• Familiarity with multicore architectures
• Experience with RTEMS or similar real-time operating systems
• Understanding of Time and Space Partitioning (TSP) concepts

Preference will be given to candidates opting for a 6-month internship.

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

Please note that 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.