Intern in the LEO and Suborbital Utilisation Team, LEO Payload Team

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 in various domains including Earth observation, human and robotic exploration, satellite navigation, and telecommunications, and collaborates with numerous international partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the LEO Payload Team at ESA is focused on system engineering for low Earth orbit payloads, particularly in the context of human and robotic exploration. Interns will engage in the development of scientific instruments intended for use on the International Space Station (ISS) and other low Earth orbit missions. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in system engineering tasks, which include defining scientific requirements in collaboration with research teams, translating these into engineering requirements, overseeing the design phase conducted by industrial partners, and verifying requirements through to the final acceptance process. Interns will also familiarize themselves with safety aspects related to crewed space environments, including hazard identification and control, as well as human factors engineering, which is crucial for designing instruments that astronauts will directly interact with. Additionally, interns will gain insight into the complete implementation process of payloads aboard the ISS, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge in microgravity environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As an intern in the LEO Payload Team, your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with research teams to define scientific requirements for payloads.
• Translating scientific requirements into detailed engineering specifications.
• Overseeing the design phase of payloads in collaboration with industrial partners.
• Conducting verification processes to ensure that all requirements are met before final acceptance.
• Identifying safety hazards associated with crewed space environments and proposing control measures.
• Learning about human factors engineering principles to ensure that instruments are user-friendly for astronauts.
• Participating in the end-to-end implementation process of payloads on the ISS.
• Engaging in continuous improvement initiatives within the team to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master's level, and must demonstrate that they will be enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A good knowledge of English or French is required, and knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset. Additionally, familiarity with space system engineering and human factors engineering is advantageous, as it will enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the team's objectives.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as engineering, physics, or a related discipline at the master's level. It is essential that the candidate can provide proof of enrollment at their university for the entire duration of the internship, ensuring that they can fully commit to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
While prior experience in space system engineering or related fields is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The internship is designed for students who are looking to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a professional environment. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in space exploration and a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is either English or French, with a good command of one being essential for effective communication within the team. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in ESA Member States is considered a valuable asset, as it may facilitate collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is part of ESA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. The agency encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The internship is open only to nationals of specific ESA Member States, and applicants may be required to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process. The internship conditions are subject to change, and candidates are encouraged to refer to ESA's careers website for the most current information.