Internship | Optimizing Satellite Orbits for Next-Generation Air-Quality Monitor

Internship Opportunity: Optimizing Satellite Orbits for Next-Generation Air-Quality Monitor

About this position

Do you want to contribute to the next generation of space-based air-quality measurements? At TNO, we develop advanced Earth-observation concepts that support future climate and air-quality missions. Join us and help push the boundaries of what satellite technology can achieve.

What will be your role?

As an intern, you will analyze and simulate a range of satellite orbit configurations (HEO, GEO, LEO, and others), assess their performance through quantitative trade-off studies, and interpret the results in the context of air-quality monitoring from space. Your work will contribute directly to mission-design questions that influence how atmospheric pollutants are observed and understood.

You will join a collaborative, forward-thinking, and highly specialized research team within TNO’s Air Quality & Emissions Research (AER) department in Utrecht, where technical rigor and an open, supportive environment go hand in hand.

What we expect from you

The ideal candidate has a background in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or Earth Sciences. Strong proficiency in Python is essential. Familiarity with the fundamentals of atmospheric physics and Earth observation is considered a significant advantage. This internship can be carried out as part of a Master’s thesis project.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

More information about this vacancy?

• Tyler Wizenberg
  • E-mailadres: tyler.wizenberg@tno.nl