Intern in the Mechanical Department - Opto-Electronics Section

EU Satellite Centre (SatCen); Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESA internship program

Job summary

ESA invites University students in their final or penultimate year for an internship in the Optoelectronics Section at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands. You will work on photonic subsystems, detectors, lasers, and related optical technologies, contributing to test setups and simulations.

The role includes supporting various projects, developing tools, coordinating with teams, and gaining hands-on experience in optical communications, lidar, and quantum technologies.

Qualifications

• Must be a university student in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's program.
• Proven interest/experience in optical laboratory setups, lasers, detectors or similar areas is a plus.
• Good knowledge of English or French; other ESA languages are assets.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory activities and simulation tool development for optical communications.
• Assist testbed development for spaceborne optoelectronic applications (detectors/lasers).
• Assist calibration/validation of lidar terminals for Guidance, Navigation and Control.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

CAD

Education

Master's student

Tools

Python

Job description

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

Depending on your interests, technical competences and project constraints in 2026, you will support one or more of our laboratory activities for example by:

• 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

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 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.