Intern in the Mechanical Department - Optics Section

European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 7,800 - 12,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Noordwijk, Netherlands, invites university students to participate in a challenging internship. The role focuses on optics, robotics and life sciences with topics including machine learning in optical design, expanding open source optical design tools, and building a Vigil HI instrument simulator.

Selected interns will work under the Technology, Engineering and Quality directorate, gain hands-on experience with optical instrumentation, and contribute to ambitious space

Qualifications

• 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.
• Working languages are English and French; knowledge of another ESA language is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to topics on ML in optical design, improving open source optical design software, and simulator development for the Vigil HI instrument.
• Support operational efficiency, collaboration, relationship management, continuous improvement and forward thinking.

Skills

Optics knowledge

Education

University student in optics/engineering (Master's level preferred)

Tools

Optiland

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 21046

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Our team and mission

The Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division is responsible for the technical and strategic management in the following space segment domains at subsystem and instrument level:

• 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;

You can choose among the following topics:

1) 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.

2) 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’).

3) 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.

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.

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.