Intern in the Future Missions Department - NoovaMoon Project

ESA - European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Noordwijk, Netherlands invites ambitious Master’s students to join the Future Missions Department for the NovaMoon internship. You will contribute to analysis of ongoing program activities and development of advanced PNT concepts for planetary exploration, focusing on navigation signal monitoring, time transfer, and differential corrections.

You will work in an internal R&D group, develop software tools and simulation models, participate in hands-on lab activities, and

Qualifications

• University student, preferably in final or penultimate year of Master's level.
• Able to prove enrolment for the entire duration of the internship.
• Working languages: English or French.
• Assets: knowledge of satellite radio-navigation, position estimation and/or sensor fusion, signal processing, GNSS receivers and SDR; knowledge of Python.

Responsibilities

• Review state-of-the-art time-transfer techniques, navigation signal monitoring strategies, and differential correction methods for lunar navigation missions such as NovaMoon.
• Contribute to ESA software tools and simulation capabilities used to assess candidate models and processing approaches, including SDR receivers for signal processing and positioning, timing engines.
• Take part in hands-on laboratory activities to design and set up a representative testbed aligned with the simulation environment.
• Plan and conduct a test campaign to evaluate system performance under representative laboratory conditions.
• Document the test approach and results, and present the key findings and recommendations to the engineering team.

Skills

Satellite navigation

Position estimation

Sensor fusion

Signal processing

Python programming

Education

Master's student

Tools

Python

Software-defined radio

GNSS receivers

Job description

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Intern in the Future Missions Department - NoovaMoon Project

Job Requisition ID: 20996

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Directorate: Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Our team and mission

As part of the Future PNT Projects Division (RNC-FF), we lead the coordination of all Position, Navigation, and Timing contributions in the context of future lunar, Martian and Solar System exploration.

This is currently implemented through various programmes: Lunar Pathfinder satellite (which includes a GNSS demonstration payload), Moonlight Programme (which involves the development of a GNSS-like lunar constellation, in addition to communication services), NovaMoon Mission (which aims to deploy a lunar station at the south pole of the Moon to monitor and augment GNSS-like lunar constellations, provide timing services and perform scientific experiments) and the planned future MARCONI Mars-dedicated communication and navigation system (currently under assessment).

To support ESA's internal capability to follow up on these activities, the Division has established an ESA-internal R&D team fully dedicated to lunar and Martian navigation system engineering and performance analysis. This includes the development of specialised advanced exploration simulation models and tools, carried out in close collaboration with the ESA Technical Directorate.

As part of this internship, you will join this internal R&D group contributing to the analysis of on-going program activities and the development of future advanced PNT concepts for planetary exploration with a focus on the NovaMoon mission.

This internship offers the opportunity to contribute to the NovaMoon mission, with a focus on three key areas of the payload: navigation signal monitoring, time transfer, and the generation of differential corrections.

As an intern, you will have the following tasks:

• reviewing state-of-the-art time-transfer techniques, navigation signal monitoring strategies, and differential correction methods for lunar navigation missions such as NovaMoon;
• contributing to the development of ESA software tools and simulation capabilities used to assess candidate models and processing approaches, including software-defined radio receivers for signal processing and positioning, navigation, and timing engines;
• taking part in hands-on laboratory activities to design and set up a representative testbed aligned with the simulation environment;
• planning and conducting a test campaign to evaluate system performance under representative laboratory conditions;
• documenting the test approach and results, and presenting the key findings and recommendations to the engineering 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.

The following are considered assets:

• knowledge and background in satellite radio-navigation systems;
• knowledge and background in position estimation and/or sensor fusion;
• knowledge and background in signal processing, GNSS receivers and software-defined radio;
• good knowledge of and experience with Python.

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.