Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Automated Tools for ESEC SmallSat Operations

ESA - European Space Agency; Belgique; Presencial; EUR 12.000 - 16.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

European Space Agency is offering an internship in the Mission Operations Department at ESEC Redu, Belgium. You will develop an automated tool to assist SmallSat operations, collaborating with the OPS-OEU team and ESA experts to ensure seamless integration with the ground segment.

You should be a university student (Master's level preferred) with Python, software development and testing experience; knowledge of Git and Linux is advantageous.

Formación

• Must be a university student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of a Master's degree.
• Experience in Python programming, software development and testing/validation is required.
• Knowledge of Git version control and Linux command line is considered assets.

Responsabilidades

• Develop an automated tool to support the ESA ESEC SmallSat Operations.
• Work with the ESEC SmallSat operations team and ESA experts for guidance.
• Retrieve, generate and process data automatically at regular intervals to integrate with the ground segment.

Conocimientos

Python programming

Software development

Testing/validation

Interpersonal communication

Educación

Current university student (Master's level)

Herramientas

Git version control

Linux command line

Descripción del empleo

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Automated Tools for ESEC SmallSat Operations

Closing Date: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

In consideration of the geographical location of ESEC-Redu, successful applicants are recommended to have or obtain adriving license prior to the take up of duties.

Our team and mission

ESEC, the European Space Security and Education Centre, at Redu in Belgium is a centre of excellence for space cyber security services, home to ESA's SmallSat Control Centre, the Space Weather Data Centre, the ESA Education Training Centre as well as part of ESA’s ground station network.

ESEC provides S-band links for ESA’s network of ground stations, as well as in-orbit testing (IOT) for telecommunication and navigation satellites for which it hosts all the facilities used to test the Galileo signal.

The prime function of the operations team (OPS-OEU) at ESEC/Redu is to interface satellites and ground facilities required for their control and utilisation. The main tasks are:

• Satellite mission operations (planning, monitoring and control) for PROBA and other SmallSat projects;
• operational preparation for new missions;
• in-orbit testing of communications, data relay and navigation satellites;
• ground facility operations and maintenance.

ESA activities at ESEC/Redu cover a wide range of disciplines and there is significant hands-on work.

As an intern you will support the ESEC SmallSat Operations team by developing an automated tool to support the SmallSat operations. The tool to be developed will be chosen based on the mission’s needs at start of the internship as well as your capabilities and preferences. This activity shall be carried out at the ESA/ESEC and will be supported by different ESA experts; since the product will be used operationally close interaction with the SmallSat operations team is expected.

Possible topics include but are not limited to:

• Development of a new antenna controller for the S-band antennae used by the SmallSat missions;
• improvement of the planning tool used to coordinate/deconflict activities between missions, negotiate passes with external providers, and generate a pass plan for use by the automation systems;
• development of basic flight dynamics scripts for pass prediction and antenna tracking;
• development of a real-time interface between the mission control system and a visualisation tool to display current spacecraft position and attitude.

In all cases, the data required by the implemented tool must be retrieved, generated and processed automatically at regular intervals to allow seamless integration into the ESEC ground segment and support operations without adding additional workload.

You should be able to operate independently but you will be supported by the ESEC SmallSat operations team.

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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.

As an intern, you should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

Experience in Python programming, software development and testing/validation is required.

Knowledge of Git version control, Linux command line use, and basic flight dynamics knowledge are considered assets.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail] .

Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

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, Cyprus, 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).