Intern in the Secure Connectivity Dept., Optical Intersatellite Link Systems Engineering for IRIS²

Our team and mission

You will work in the Secure Connectivity System Office, in the Secure Connectivity Department, directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications (D/CSC) at ESA. The Secure Connectivity programme has been established by the EU and ESA, with the objective to deploy an EU-owned satellite constellation for secure communications, called IRIS² - Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. The IRIS² contract has been signed on 16/12/2024 for a 12-year concession that will design, develop, manufacture, deploy, qualify, and operate two satellite constellations (>250 satellites) and the associated ground segment infrastructure (control centres, gateways, TTC stations).

Within the System Office, the Secure Connectivity System Architecture Section is responsible for all system engineering tasks to support the effective design and development for the overall IRIS² system of systems. This includes supervising the technical requirements applicable to the procurement of the Space Segment, the Ground Segment, and the User Segment, monitoring the compliance of the IRIS² system to the mission requirements, maintaining the system technical budgets, defining and implementing technology developments required to support the development, and preparing and implementing all engineering and R&D activities directly related to the development and implementation of the system.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Optical Intersatellite Link Systems Engineering for IRIS²

The internship will include a number of R&D activities in the optical inter-satellite links, with a view to developing possible future evolutions of IRIS². This will be carried out in cooperation with the opto-electronics section within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The main activities of this internship will be the systems engineering analysis (requirements, trade-offs, performance simulations) for optical inter-satellite links in IRIS² and in possible future evolutions.

The internship will also focus on the system-of-systems design of future European Resilience systems that will enhance and enable additional functions between different systems (communications, navigation, earth observation).

You will work with advanced system simulation tools to perform system trade-offs and design studies to help in the system design consolidation for the Optical Inter satellite link, with particular interest on the Space Data Relay service.

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 of satellite communication systems are assets.

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.