Intern in the Systems Department, Space Systems Section

Internship Opportunity in the Systems Department, Space Systems 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 opportunity is offered within a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-thinking team focused on the development and implementation of Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) strategies for next-generation space missions. The team supports both ongoing and future missions, with a strong emphasis on enhancing in-orbit safety, autonomy, and system resilience.

You will contribute to activities spanning both early mission design and later operational phases, supporting a wide range of developments from concept definition to training and standardization. The work will focus on autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and close-proximity operations in space. Interns will help define intelligent monitoring strategies for spacecraft health, leveraging data-driven approaches to enhance fault detection and recovery. Tasks will include analysing technical requirements from international standards, collecting lessons learned from past missions, and supporting the creation of training materials and simulation exercises.

The working environment is international, multidisciplinary, and highly supportive of learning, innovation, and professional growth. Interns 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.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of spacecraft autonomy and reliability, while contributing to meaningful developments that will shape the future of space exploration and mission standardisation.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: FDIR Innovation for Next-Gen Missions: AI, Autonomy, and Beyond

As an intern, you will contribute to the development of intelligent fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) strategies for space missions, supporting both early design and later operational phases. Your tasks will include:

• Defining a generic list of essential monitoring parameters aligned with ESA mission classification, to serve as a baseline for future space missions.
• Supporting the definition and optimisation of monitoring strategies for missions involving close-proximity operations, autonomous systems, and onboard decision-making.
• Applying artificial intelligence and other advanced engineering tools to enhance monitoring design and fault management approaches.
• Creating visual materials to communicate the importance and impact of monitoring strategies to diverse stakeholders.
• Designing a hands-on monitoring exercise to be used in training sessions for mission teams.
• Reviewing international technical standards to identify and extract relevant requirements related to FDIR.
• Collecting lessons learned from past missions and contributing to updates of the FDIR handbook.
• Drafting a proposal for a future standard, using the structure of existing international guidelines as a reference.
• Supporting training activities by improving materials and co-delivering introductory sessions with guidance from your mentor.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in spacecraft autonomy, system safety, and mission operations. You will develop skills in systems thinking, technical analysis, and communication, while working in an international, multidisciplinary, and innovation-driven environment.

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.