Intern in the Systems Department - Navigation Systems Definition Section

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites interns to work within the Systems Department, Navigation Systems Definition Section at ESTEC in Noordwijk. You will develop simulators and tools to assess SSI navigation performance and help define an SSI In-Orbit Demonstrator for cislunar space.

The role focuses on end-to-end simulations, mission analysis, and exploring autonomous positioning concepts for deep-space users, contributing to SSI architectures and deployment scenarios.

Qualifications

• You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of your Master’s program.
• You must be able to prove you will be enrolled for the entire duration of the internship.

Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end simulation tools for System Internet Navigation Performance assessment.
• Perform mission analysis for a Solar System In-Orbit Demonstrator in cislunar space.
• Analyse and address navigation use cases for future Solar System missions.
• Investigate autonomous positioning, navigation and time synchronisation concepts for deep-space users and infrastructure nodes.
• Contribute to the definition and evaluation of SSI architectures and deployment scenarios.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

University student, master's preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Intern in the Systems Department - Navigation Systems Definition Section

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Navigation Systems Definition Section (TEC-SEN) is leading, or providing support to, the Agency’s activities that require expertise in the field of Positioning, Navigation, Timing (PNT) and Geolocation Systems definition, design and development. The PNT and Geolocation domain covers the End-to-End (E2E) Engineering of Positioning, Navigation, Timing and Geolocation Systems, at System, Space, Ground and User segments level, covering links, elements and equipment, system concepts, and all related techniques and technologies, for Earth, Space and Solar System applications, System/Segment/Payload System architectures and performance, signal-in-space and signal processing, GNSS receivers, algorithms, OD&TS, formation-flying and RF/Optical metrology.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Under the supervision of a tutor in the navigation system definition section, you will shape the future Solar System Internet (SSI) Navigation system. You will develop simulators and analysis tools to characterise the performance of SSI at both system and user level. In addition, you will support the definition of an SSI In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) mission in cislunar space, aimed at de-risking key SSI technologies, and enabling future lunar science and exploration activities.

In particular, you will:

• develop end-to-end simulation tools for System Internet Navigation Performance assessment;
• perform mission analysis for a Solar System In-Orbit Demonstrator in cislunar space;
• analyse and address navigation use cases for future Solar System missions;
• investigate autonomous positioning, navigation and time synchronisation concepts for deep-space users and infrastructure nodes;
• contribute to the definition and evaluation of SSI architectures and deployment scenarios.

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 demonstrate experience in either one of the following fields:

• software development in MATLAB or Python;
• orbital mechanics, astrodynamics and space mission analysis;
• telecommunications.

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.