Intern in the Mechanical Department, Thermal Control Section

Join the Thermal Division at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Thermal Division is responsible for the technical and strategic management in the following domains:

• Thermal engineering, design, analysis and testing of space systems, covering active and passive thermal control systems
• Passive and active cryogenic cooling, heat transport, heat storage and heat rejection, thermal insulation, thermal protection, thermal analysis methods and tools, thermal and mechanical verification including testing
• Maintenance and operation of the Mechanical Systems Laboratory covering thermal cycling in vacuum and nitrogen, thermal balance, MLI performance characterisation, thermal conductivity measurement, vibration testing, CTE measurement
• Maintenance and operation of the TEC-M technical IT infrastructure covering the Mechanical Department laboratories and computing infrastructure, including the thermal computing facility, in conjunction with the TEC infrastructure function
• Analysis methods and tools for the thermal subsystem including those for specific thermal technologies (e.g. two-phase systems, cryo-coolers) within and outside the Agency
• Link with system level (e.g. MB4SE and Digital Twin) and with other disciplines (e.g. thermoelastic)

Thermal Control Section (TEC-MTT): The section is responsible for all ESA activities related to thermal engineering, related R&D activities and hardware for the thermal control of space systems. It is the center of competence within the Agency for design and verification of passive and active thermal control systems, cryogenics and refrigeration, heat transport, heat storage and rejection, thermal insulations and thermal protection.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Thermal Control Engineer

Space Thermal Control Engineering, covering one or several of the activities below:

• Thermal Design & Analysis: Perform thermal design and associated analysis, including steady state/transient analyses of instruments and satellites following familiarisation with project requirements and Agency’s tools (ESATAN-TMS). This may also include in-flight correlation of thermal analysis models for ESA projects.
• Cryogenics: Investigate cryogenic technologies (active and passive coolers) for applications in future ESA spacecraft and launchers.
• Heat Transfer & Heat Rejection: Investigate heat transport technologies such as capillary and mechanically pumped two-phase loops, single-phase loops, heat pipes for thermal control.
• Thermal Protection: Investigate thermal protection technologies (both re-usable and ablative) for on-going and future missions (e.g. planetary exploration and sample return missions) and re-usable launchers.
• Generic thermal control technologies: Investigate innovative and advanced technologies for the Thermal Control Subsystem, e.g. tunable infrared emittance coatings with electrochromic-based solutions, phase-change materials, heat pumps, etc. Investigate specific thermal technologies for small satellites and CubeSats.

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.

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.