Intern in the Earth Observation Projects Department - CHIME Enhanced Spatial Detection Capabilities

ESA - European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency is offering an internship in the Earth Observation Projects Department at Noordwijk, NL, focusing on Enhanced Spatial Detection Capabilities for the Imaging Spectrometer CHIME. You will contribute to end-to-end simulations, prototype processing algorithms, and uncertainty analysis for hyperspectral data products.

The role supports development of reproducible methods to compare baseline products with enhanced outputs, with emphasis on scientific and engineering collaboration

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a university student at Master’s level in a STEM field.
• Strong background in physics, applied mathematics, Earth observation or signal processing.
• Experience with Python, numerical modelling and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with uncertainty propagation, sensitivity analysis or imaging spectroscopy is an asset.
• Excellent communication in English (spoken and written).

Responsibilities

• Review baseline spatial performance and the contributions of telescope, spectrometer and pixel to spatial resolution.
• Develop a simulation and prototype processing algorithm for CHIME data products.
• Evaluate sensitivity to noise, misregistration and spectral differences across channels.
• Quantify spatial improvement and possible impacts on radiometric accuracy or spectral fidelity.
• Document expected improvements and limitations of the proposed approach; test methods on representative mission scenarios.

Skills

Physics

Applied Mathematics

Earth Observation

Signal Processing

Aerospace Engineering

Uncertainty Propagation

Education

Master's student

Tools

Python

Job description

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Intern in the Earth Observation Projects Department - CHIME Enhanced Spatial Detection Capabilities

Job Requisition ID: 21180

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Our team and mission

Within the Earth Observation Projects Department, the Copernicus Sentinel Expansion missions are currently under development. One of those missions is the CHIME (Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment). CHIME plans to carry a unique visible to shortwave infrared spectrometer to provide routine hyperspectral observations to support new and enhanced services for sustainable agricultural and biodiversity management, as well as soil property characterisation.

You will join the CHIME project and work with the system engineering and mission-performance teams on end-to-end simulation, uncertainty propagation and the reliability of hyperspectral satellite data products.

Further details on the CHIME mission can be found at:

Topic of the internship: Enhanced spatial detection capabilities for Imaging spectrometer CHIME

Can imaging spectroscopy reveal materials smaller than a ground pixel, and can spatial enhancement improve their detection and quantification? You will investigate these questions for selected scientific applications using simulated or suitable reference observations.

What you will do:

• review the baseline pixel-binning approach and the telescope, spectrometer and pixel contributions to spatial performance;
• develop a simulation and prototype processing algorithm;
• evaluate sensitivity to noise, channel misregistration and differences in scene content between wavelengths;
• quantify spatial improvement alongside any loss of radiometric accuracy or spectral fidelity;
• document expected improvements and limitations of the proposed approach;
• test the methods using representative mission scenarios and discuss the results with mission scientists and industrial simulator teams.

Learning objectives

By the end of the internship, you will be able to:

• assess how instrument modulation transfer function (MTF) affects CHIME’s spatial resolution;
• develop reproducible simulation and reconstruction methods to compare the baseline product with potential enhanced products;
• evaluate achievable spatial improvement and its sensitivity to noise, channel misregistration and spectral differences;
• communicate quantitative evidence to scientific, engineering and industrial specialists.

The principal outcome will be a tested software prototype that enables a feasibility assessment quantifying the achievable spatial improvement relative to the baseline CHIME product.

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.

You should also have:

• background in physics, applied mathematics, Earth observation, signal processing or aerospace engineering;
• experience with Python, numerical modelling and statistical analysis;
• familiarity with uncertainty propagation, sensitivity analysis or imaging spectroscopy is an asset.

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.

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, 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.