Intern in the Mission Operations Dept., Mission Operations IT & Operations Control Centre Section

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 include 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 in multiple countries and collaborates with various international space agencies to conduct missions that advance our understanding of space and improve life on Earth.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Mission Operations Department at ESA focuses on enhancing the operational capabilities of the agency through innovative IT solutions. The intern will work under the direct authority of the Director of Operations, contributing to the preparation and execution of flight operations for all ESA missions. This role is pivotal as it serves as the primary interface between the operations team and the Programme Directorates, ensuring that both ESA customer missions and external missions are supported effectively. The intern will specifically engage with the Mission Operations IT and Operations Control Centre team, which is responsible for maintaining and evolving the IT infrastructure that supports mission operations. The internship will involve hands-on work with next-generation Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) technology, which is crucial for modernizing ESA's ground communications and enhancing the efficiency and reliability of operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including: conducting research on SDWAN features and use cases; configuring and testing SDWAN solutions; scouting for open-source tools that can enhance the ESTRACK network; building dashboards and alerts for monitoring ground stations; scripting workflows for automation and self-healing processes; designing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security controls to protect critical data; architecting disaster recovery configurations to ensure zero downtime; optimizing network management policies and performance; and unlocking bandwidth aggregation capabilities across multiple connections. The intern will also collaborate with global teams and engage in cross-agency best practices, contributing to the overall mission of ESA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master’s level, and must provide proof of enrollment for the entire duration of the internship. A strong interest or background in computer science or network engineering is essential, along with familiarity with Cisco SDWAN or a willingness to learn. Knowledge of general network concepts, dynamic routing protocols, and software-defined networks is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a foundational understanding of security fundamentals, including encryption methods and network policies.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in computer science, network engineering, or a related field. A master’s level education is preferred, as this role requires a solid understanding of advanced networking concepts and technologies. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, particularly in the context of mission operations and IT infrastructure.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships or projects that demonstrate knowledge of networking, IT infrastructure, or mission operations will be advantageous. Candidates should be able to showcase their technical skills and any hands-on experience with networking tools or technologies, particularly those related to SDWAN and network management.

Languages:
The working languages at ESA are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another ESA member state language is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication within the diverse international environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be nationals of one of the specified ESA member states or cooperating states. The internship is expected to last for the duration of the academic semester, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a rigorous selection process that may include tests. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. The agency also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process.