Open Internship / Graduation Assignment

cosine Research BV; Sassenheim; On-site; EUR 7,800 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

cosine Research BV offers an internship opportunity for students in physics and engineering to contribute to space instrumentation and measurement systems. You will work on real instruments for space missions alongside experienced scientists and engineers, with ownership of meaningful projects.

Opportunities span Thermal, Electronics, Optics, Mechanical Design, and Systems Engineering, requiring curiosity, teamwork, and strong communication in English.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a BSc, MSc, or PhD in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related technical discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on attitude and enthusiasm for technology development.
• Interest in multidisciplinary engineering and scientific projects.

Responsibilities

• Thermal & Mechanical Engineering: support design, modelling, testing, and validation of mechanical and thermal systems.
• Electronics & Avionics Engineering: contribute to development and verification of electronic subsystems and embedded solutions.
• Optics & Experimental Physics: participate in development, testing and characterization of optical systems and sensors.
• Mechanical Design Engineering: assist in transforming requirements into practical engineering solutions, prototyping and testing.
• Systems Engineering & Instrument Development: support integration, verification and performance evaluation of complex instruments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Hands-on attitude

English communication

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in Physics or Engineering

Job description

Your (space) mission

As an Intern at cosine, you will contribute to cutting-edge technologies that enable space exploration, Earth observation, and advanced scientific research. Rather than working on theoretical exercises, you will become part of a multidisciplinary team developing real instruments and systems for international space missions and high-tech applications. At cosine, we combine scientific excellence with hands-on engineering. During your internship or graduation project, you will work alongside experienced scientists and engineers who are passionate about solving complex technical challenges. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of a meaningful project, develop new skills, and see how your work contributes to innovative technologies used in space and science. We are always interested in meeting talented BSc, MSc, and PhD students who are eager to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and help shape the next generation of scientific and space technologies. Potential opportunities include:

• Thermal & Mechanical Engineering Support the design, modelling, testing, and validation of high-performance mechanical and thermal systems for demanding space and scientific applications.

• Electronics & Avionics Engineering Contribute to the development and verification of advanced electronic subsystems, embedded solutions, and avionics architectures used in innovative space instruments.

• Optics & Experimental Physics Participate in the development, testing, and characterisation of advanced optical systems and sensors, including technologies used in space telescopes and scientific instruments.

• Mechanical Design Engineering Assist in transforming technical requirements into practical engineering solutions, supporting activities ranging from concept development and detailed design to prototyping and testing.

• Systems Engineering & Instrument Development Work at the interface between disciplines, supporting the integration, verification, and performance evaluation of complex scientific instruments and systems.

Your profile

• Currently pursuing a BSc, MSc, or PhD degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Hands-on attitude and enthusiasm for technology development
• Interest in multidisciplinary engineering and scientific projects
• Ability to communicate effectively in English within an international environment
• Curiosity, initiative, and motivation to learn and contribute
• Residing within commuting distance of Sassenheim, the Netherlands, or willing to relocate for the duration of the internship

About cosine

Founded in 1998, cosine is a world-leading developer of space instrumentation and measurement systems, making the invisible measurable and the complex actionable. Its expertise spans High-Energy Optics, including optics developed for ESA's future NewAthena X-ray observatory, as well as remote sensing solutions for Earth Observation and planetary science. With over 25 years of experience and advanced cleanroom and assembly facilities across the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, cosine brings deep scientific and engineering expertise to some of the most demanding missions in space and on Earth. What makes cosine a unique place to work is that your work goes end-to-end: from concept and design to building, testing, and delivering hardware that actually flies in space. You work in small, highly skilled teams where you have real ownership and impact, alongside experts in optics, physics, nanofabrication, and systems engineering. cosine is committed to providing an inclusive and equal opportunities work environment where everyone can thrive. As a proud member of the Women in Aerospace community, we recognise the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace.