Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department - EO Constellation Analysis Tool

European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Noordwijk, NL, is offering an internship in the Future Missions and Architecture Department to develop a mission‑analysis tool for Earth Observation constellation deployment and replenishment. You will work in a multidisciplinary team on mission analysis, systems engineering, and software development.

The role focuses on lifecycle modelling, optimization, and simulation to support planning of future Earth Observation missions and services.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of orbital mechanics and space mission analysis.
• Experience with Python programming.
• Ability to analyse engineering problems using mathematical models and simulations.
• Familiarity with software development practices is an asset.
• Familiarity with optimisation techniques applied to engineering problems is an asset.
• Familiarity with engineering trade‑off analysis and design space exploration is an asset.
• Familiarity with numerical methods and scientific computing applied to engineering problems is an asset.
• Familiarity with deployment, operations or lifecycle analysis of satellite systems is an asset.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation techniques is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop lifecycle simulation models for constellation deployment, operations and replenishment.
• Develop algorithms to model constellation performance as satellites are launched, commissioned, fail or are replaced.
• Develop optimisation methods to identify efficient deployment and replenishment strategies.
• Model launch preparation, commissioning times, spare satellite management and replacement policies.
• Estimate launch cadence needed to achieve and maintain performance objectives.
• Implement methodologies within a mission‑analysis software tool.
• Verify and validate the tool using representative Earth Observation mission scenarios.
• Document design, methodology and results of the tool.

Skills

Python programming

Orbital mechanics

Space mission analysis

Optimization techniques

Monte Carlo simulation

Numerical methods

Statistical analysis

Engineering trade-off analysis

Education

Master's student

Job description

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

Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department - EO Constellation Analysis Tool

Job Requisition ID: 21169

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

You will join the Future Missions & Architecture Department – Mission and System Studies Section, which supports the preparation of future Earth Observation missions through mission analysis, system studies and architecture assessments.

The Section contributes to the evaluation of new mission concepts, the definition of mission requirements and architectures, the preparation of early mission studies, and the assessment of future Earth Observation capabilities. The Section also develops analytical methods, mission performance simulators and engineering tools to support the design and evaluation of future space systems.

You will work in a multidisciplinary environment combining mission analysis, systems engineering, architecture trade-offs and technology assessment to support the preparation of future Earth Observation missions and services.

Topic of the internship:Development of a Mission Analysis Tool for Earth Observation Constellation Deployment and Replenishment

Earth Observation is increasingly relying on satellite constellations to provide services such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, maritime surveillance and security applications. As these constellations grow in size and complexity, understanding how to efficiently deploy, operate and sustain them throughout their lifetime becomes an important mission‑analysis challenge.

In this internship, you will develop a mission‑analysis tool to assess and optimise deployment and replenishment strategies for Earth Observation constellations. The tool will model how a constellation evolves over time, including performance degradation, and determine the launch effort and cadence needed to maintain the required performance.

Your activities will include:

• developing lifecycle simulation models for constellation deployment, operations and replenishment;
• developing algorithms to model how constellation performance evolves as satellites are launched, commissioned, reach end of life, fail or are replaced;
• developing optimisation methods to identify efficient deployment and replenishment strategies;
• developing models for launch preparation, commissioning times, spare satellite management and replacement policies;
• developing capabilities to estimate the launch cadence required to achieve and maintain specified performance objectives;
• implementing the developed methodologies within a mission‑analysis software tool;
• verifying and validating the tool using representative Earth Observation mission scenarios;
• documenting the design, methodology and results of the tool.

Through this internship, you will gain experience in mission analysis, space systems engineering, satellite constellation operations, lifecycle modelling, optimisation, simulation, engineering trade‑off analysis and software development.

The outcome of the internship will be a reusable mission‑analysis tool supporting the assessment of deployment and replenishment strategies for future Earth Observation constellations.

• 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:

• a good understanding of orbital mechanics and space mission analysis;
• experience with Python programming;
• ability to analyse engineering problems using mathematical models and simulations;
• familiarity with software development practices is an asset;
• familiarity with optimisation techniques applied to engineering problems is an asset;
• familiarity with engineering trade‑off analysis and design space exploration is an asset;
• familiarity with numerical methods and scientific computing applied to engineering problems is an asset;
• familiarity with deployment, operations or lifecycle analysis of satellite systems is an asset;
• familiarity with statistical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation techniques 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.

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).