Intern in the Software and Artificial Intelligence Team - Data Management and AI Readiness

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to encompass 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates across various domains, including Earth observation, human and robotic exploration, satellite navigation, and telecommunications, with a focus on innovation and collaboration with industry and research institutions.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Software and Artificial Intelligence Team focuses on data management and AI readiness, specifically under the Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) directorate. The intern will work closely with the HRE Data Lab Lead to perform exploratory data analysis and metadata tagging on diverse datasets from past and current missions. This role is crucial for supporting the cataloguing and profiling of data assets, which involves identifying data structures, storage locations, and access methods. The intern will also contribute to designing a data categorization and governance model that aligns with international standards, such as the FAIR principles. Additionally, the intern will assist in developing automated workflows for metadata enrichment and data organization, assess datasets for potential AI/ML applications, and support the implementation of recommendations from ESA’s ongoing AI study. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in data wrangling, metadata design, and governance while working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency and astronaut support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for performing exploratory data analysis and metadata tagging on heterogeneous datasets, which include spacecraft telemetry, experiment results, technical reports, and 3D models. They will support the cataloguing and profiling of data assets, identifying their structure, storage, and access methods. The intern will help design a data categorization and governance model aligned with international standards, contribute to the development of automated workflows for metadata enrichment and data organization, and assess the potential of datasets for future AI/ML exploitation and digital twin applications. Collaboration with colleagues across engineering, science, and IT will be essential to ensure consistency and avoid duplication. Additionally, the intern may have the opportunity to develop small prototypes, such as scripts for automatic tagging, clustering, or text search, to demonstrate how data could be prepared for AI.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They must be able to prove enrollment at their university for the entire duration of the internship. Knowledge and background in data science, data management standards, computer science, information engineering, or a related field is considered an asset. Experience with Python (including libraries such as pandas and numpy), SQL, or similar data handling tools is also advantageous. A good knowledge of English or French is required, and knowledge of another ESA Member State language is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being a university student, ideally in the final or second-to-last year of a Master's program. Candidates must demonstrate that they will remain enrolled at their university throughout the internship duration, ensuring they have the necessary academic foundation to engage with the technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, familiarity with data science, data management standards, and programming languages such as Python and SQL is highly beneficial. The internship is designed for students, so relevant academic projects or coursework may be considered as experience.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is either English or French, with a good knowledge of one of these languages required. Knowledge of an additional language from an ESA Member State is considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse international team.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be nationals of one of the specified ESA Member States. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and applicants must be eligible to access information and technology subject to European or US export control regulations. The internship conditions are subject to change, and candidates are encouraged to refer to ESA's careers website for the most current information. The agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.