Intern in the Mechanical Department - Optics Section

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; Presencial; EUR 12 000 - 17 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

European Space Agency (ESA) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, invites a graduate student to intern in the Mechanical Department – Optics Section. Work spans optical design, optoelectronics, and instrument simulation, contributing to calibration, verification, and data analysis for space missions.

Fluency in English or French is required, with EO/optics background welcome. You must remain enrolled for the duration and engage in topics on ML-driven design, open source software improvements, and simulator

Qualificações

• You must be a university student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master’s degree.
• You must be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Knowledge of optics and optical instrumentation is an asset.
• Knowledge of English or French as working languages is required.

Responsabilidades

• Topic 1: Use of machine learning in optical design—Define a database of potential architectural solutions based on high level requirements and develop AI tools to define starting points; explore reinforcement learning to optimise the solution.
• Topic 2: Increase capabilities of open source optical design software (e.g. Optiland)—Expand the software to support non sequential raytracing, add mechanical elements, or improve straylight analysis capabilities.
• Topic 3: Define a simulator for the Vigil HI instrument—Create a scene definition, include instrumental effects, and investigate detection methods for coronal mass ejections.

Conhecimentos

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Formação académica

Master's student (final or penultimate year)

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Intern in the Mechanical Department - Optics Section

Job Requisition ID: 21046

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

• optical systems: design, engineering and verification in all optical related areas, including optical component technology, micro-optics, fibre and passive integrated optics; spectro-radiometric imaging instruments in the x-ray, ultra-violet, visible and infrared region; optical metrology, and space micro-nano technology systems, stray-light analysis and verification. Calibration and verification of optical payloads, covering the definition, procurement and commissioning of Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE). In orbit commissioning of optical payloads. Measurement of optical properties of key optical components by devising ad-hoc measurements in the Optical and Optoelectronics Laboratory (OOEL);
• optoelectronics: laser systems and sensors, LIDAR and laser ranging systems, including optical metrology and time and frequency distribution, photo-detectors and focal plane technologies for the x-ray, ultra-violet, visible and infrared range; photonics technologies and application, including integrated and fibre optics, RF photonics, micro-nano-photonics, opto-pyrotechnics, fibre sensors, non-linear optics, superconductor technology and optical atomic clocks; optical communication technologies and systems, optical communication links and optical payloads; optoelectronics/photonics for spacecraft applications; quantum technologies including quantum devices, metrology, sensing, quantum key distribution and cold atom interferometry;
• optical chain architecture: design, analysis, and technical assessment of optical instruments, subsystems, detection chain systems and focal plane instrumentation, optical communication systems for classical and quantum communications, time and frequency transfer, intersatellite ranging and similar end-to-end systems;
• automation and robotics: space automation and robotic systems, including planetary (surface, sub-surface and aerial) robotics probes, space robot payloads and their control systems, space laboratory automation, human-robot interaction, tele-robotics in manned and unmanned missions, as well as automation and robotics technology for ground MAIT; life & physical sciences instrumentation: technologies needed for planetary exploration missions and for life and physical sciences experiments in space, as well as technologies needed for life support, crew health and habitability of manned missions, and In-Situ Resources Utilisation;

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose among the following topics

Topic 1: Use of machine learning in optical design

Define a database of potential architectural solutions based on high level requirements (spectral range, F#, field of view, etc.) and develop/use AI tools to define potential starting points. Explore then the possibility of reinforcement learning techniques to optimise the solution.

Topic 2: Increase capabilities of open source optical design software (e.g. Optiland)

Explore the possibility to expand the software e.g. a) starting the implementation of a non sequential raytracing, b) implementing the possibility to introduce mechanical elements, or c) improving straylight analysis capabilities (e.g. ghost analysis, semi-analytical calculations similar to an existing ESA tool called ‘Straylux’).

Topic 3: Define a simulator for the Vigil HI instrument

The simulator should contain the specific scene definition (F+K corona, planets, stars, coronal mass ejections), introduce instrumental effects (noise, straylight, etc.). Based on the simulator, detection methods for the coronal mass ejections should be investigated.

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 optics and optical instrumentation 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.