Intern in the Systems Department - End-to-End Systems Communications Section

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 10,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA's ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands invites applications for an Internship in the End-to-End Systems Communications Section of the TEC-SE division. You will assist with assessment, simulations, and upgrades of simulators, contributing to TT&C and PDT links for space missions.

Requires being a university Master’s student, enrollment for the full duration, and knowledge of MATLAB and Python. Proficiency in English or French is expected, with German/other languages as asset.

Qualifications

• Must be a university student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master’s level.
• You must be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Knowledge of MATLAB and Python or other related programming languages.
• Some familiarity with satellite communications.

Responsibilities

• assessing techniques;
• performing simulations;
• upgrading existing simulators in Python or other programming languages;
• supporting the development and testing of a Software Defined Radio prototyping platform for TT&C/PDT and other space communication applications.

Education

Master's student (MS)

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Intern in the Systems Department - End-to-End Systems Communications Section

Job Requisition ID: 21063

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 End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE) is responsible for supporting projects for the Engineering of E2E systems, the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration/verification activities (SIV), and service preparation. To serve these functions, the Head of the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division defines and executes the associated technology developments and studies, as well as the verification and validation laboratory facilities, and supports the preparation of the relevant engineering standards.

TEC-SE supports and develops the following engineering competences:

• E2E generic engineering tools, processes and competences;
• All aspects of Security engineering at System level, including cyber security, crypto, hardware and software security, link and data protection, frameworks, processes, vulnerability assessment, countermeasures at system, element and application levels including AI and Quantum;
• Telecommunication and connectivity systems and techniques;
• Radio Navigation and PNT Systems and techniques, Formation Flying and RF metrology;
• E2E System Comms for Telemetry, Telecommand and Payload Data Dissemination, Tracking, Ranging, Radio Science and Time Transfer functions.

The responsibilities include the definition of concepts and algorithms, System/Segment/Payload-System architecture and trade-offs, performance and budgets analysis, interfaces and data flows, design and processing of signal in space, networks and protocols for the Ground to Space, Space to Space links, for RF and Optical systems.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Assessment and End-to-End Analysis of Space Communications links, including Tracking Telemetry and Command (TT&C) links for Science and Exploration missions up to Deep Space, and/or Payload Data Transmission (PDT) Links for Earth Observation missions, as well as other lunar and planetary space communication links.

Your tasks will include:

• assessing techniques;
• performing simulations;
• upgrading existing simulators in Python or other programming languages;
• supporting the development and testing of Software Defined Radio prototyping platform for TT&C/PDT and other space communication applications (possibly using GNU radio).

The analysis and simulation tasks are covering assessment of modulation, coding, acquisition and tracking techniques for satellite communication links.

Participation as Communications expert team member in early design studies of future space missions from Earth Orbiting to Deep Space.

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.

You should also have:

• good knowledge of MATLAB, Python or other related programming languages;
• some familiarity with satellite communications.

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.