Intern in the Space Safety Programme - Frequency Management Office

European Space Agency - ESA; Darmstadt; Presencial; EUR 12.000 - 17.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The European Space Agency is offering an internship in the Space Safety Programme, Frequency Management Office, based at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany. The intern will explore protection contours for ESA Earth stations and support ITU-based frequency management activities.

Ideal candidates are Master’s students who can demonstrate Matlab knowledge and strong English skills; knowledge of French is an asset. The internship provides hands-on regulatory exposure and a chance to contribute to space

Formación

• Must be a university student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of a Master’s program.
• Must be enrolled at the university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Knowledge of Matlab programming language is required.
• Good knowledge of English (French is an asset).

Responsabilidades

• Familiarize yourself with the internal software tool and ITU-based methodology.
• Run the tool to create a catalogue of protection contours for various ESA Earth stations.
• Propose optimisation and updates to the tool.

Conocimientos

MATLAB

English proficiency

Radio frequency knowledge

Educación

Master's degree in progress

Descripción del empleo

Intern in the Space Safety Programme - Frequency Management Office

Job Requisition ID: 21076

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Operations

Workplace:

Darmstadt, DE

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

The ESA Space Safety Department takes care of all potential hazards and threats from space or in space, which can impact human activities, infrastructure, or related applications. The spectrum of tasks ranges from gathering the basic understanding of space hazards originating from our Sun, from human space debris, or from asteroids potentially colliding with the Earth. It also addresses basic approaches to mitigate these hazards and to implement space systems end-to-end in a sustainable and eco-compatible way. Moreover, several corner stone missions are underway to demonstrate basic methods of space weather forecasting, asteroid deflection and active space debris removal from orbit.

• Mission Implementation Division (OPS-SM);
• COSMIC Project Management Office (OPS-SC);
• Space Weather Office (OPS-SW);
• Planetary Defence Office (OPS-SP);
• Space Debris Office (OPS-SD);
• Clean Space & Circular Economy Office (OPS-SY);
• Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF);
• Programme Coordination Office (OPS-SX).

Within OPS-S, the ESA Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF) manages Agency frequency activities, develops and maintains policy, and ensures implementation per International Telecommunication Union (ITU) provisions. The Office interfaces with ESA satellite projects across Directorates for frequency assignment and coordination to minimise interference, leads ESA participation in radiocommunication meetings and international regulatory bodies, and chairs the Inter-Directorate Frequency Management Working Group. The Office interfaces with host country and Member States regulators on frequency regulation matters and supports radio frequency standardisation.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Protection from Radio frequency interference of the Earth stations supporting ESA missions is critical. The ESA Frequency Management Office has developed an internal software tool in order to determine the protection area around Earth stations so that interference from other terrestrial radio transmitters can be avoided.

As part of the internship, your task will include the following aspects:

• Getting familiar with the above mentioned software tool, and the underlying methodology derived from ITU regulations;
• running the tool in order to create a catalogue of protection contours for a range of scenarios addressing ESA receiving and transmitting Earth stations;
• proposing optimisation and update of the tool.

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

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.

Knowledge and background in radio frequency communications and radio propagation is an asset.

Knowledge of the Matlab programming language is required.

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).