Intern in the Mechanical Department - Opto-Electronics Section

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, invites applications for an internship in the Mechanical Department's Opto-Electronics Section. You will engage in R&D activities spanning photonic subsystems, detectors, and lasers, contributing to test setups, simulations, and integration tasks.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, data acquisition, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The internship targets university students, preferably in their final or penultimate year of a

Qualifications

• Must be a university student enrolled for the entire duration of the internship.
• Proficiency in English or French; knowledge of another ESA language is an asset.
• Experience with optical lab setups or data acquisition is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation tools for free-space optical communications systems.
• Develop testbeds for optoelectronic applications (detectors/lasers).
• Integrate and commission laser-induced contamination characterisation setups.
• Assemble and commission an optoelectronics test bench for CMOS image sensors.
• Calibrate and validate Lidar terminals for GN&C and in-orbit servicing.

Skills

Optical lab setups

Free-space optics

Fibre optics

Real-time data acquisition

Programming (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)

CAD

Education

Master's student (final/second-to-last year)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

CAD software

Job description

Intern in the Mechanical Department - Opto-Electronics Section

Job Requisition ID: 21043

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

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies. In these areas, the section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research. The section is also developing and operating laboratory test setups and simulation tools. Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

• development of simulation tools for free-space optical communications systems;
• testbed development of advanced spaceborne optoelectronic applications (for optical communication, optical detectors and/or lasers);
• integration and commissioning of upgraded laser induced contamination characterisation setup;
• assembly and commissioning of an optoelectronics test bench for the characterisation of scientific digital CMOS image sensors;
• calibration and validation of Lidar terminals for Guidance, Navigation and Control and In-Orbit Servicing applications.

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

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 working with optical laboratory setups (including lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition or experience in programming and modelling (e.g. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD 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.

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