Intern in the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section, Link Budget Tool

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 operates across multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and various facilities and centers throughout Europe, including the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. ESA'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.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The primary focus of this internship is on the Link Budget Tool, which is essential for characterizing the radio-frequency communication link between spacecraft and ground antennas. The intern will report directly to the Head of the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section and will be involved in the continuous development, support, and optimization of the ESA Link Budget Tool. This role requires collaboration in a user-focused environment, contributing to the development of a file-based interface for exchanging link budget parameters and calculations between the Agency and spacecraft manufacturers. The intern will also support the integration of the Link Budget Tool with the ground station scheduling tool, necessitating close coordination with both ground station and mission operations teams. This position is ideal for a university student looking to gain practical experience in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Contributing to the development of a file-based interface for the Link Budget Tool, ensuring compliance with the CCSDS LBDF Orange Book standard.
• Assisting in the validation of the tool to ensure that all requirements are met and implementation activities are executed correctly.
• Supporting studies on the integration of the Link Budget Tool with the ground station scheduling tool, which involves coordinating with various teams to allocate ground station coverage for space missions.
• Engaging in regular communication with the Head of the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section to report on progress and challenges.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing ideas for continuous improvement of processes and tools.

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. Additionally, candidates should possess basic knowledge of Python programming, strong self-motivation, and the ability to multitask effectively. Good communication skills are essential for managing a broad range of interfaces and working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Proactive behavior and a results-oriented mindset are also highly valued.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. A strong academic background, particularly at the master’s level, is preferred, as this internship is designed to provide practical experience to students who are currently enrolled in their studies.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a foundational understanding of programming, particularly in Python. Experience in collaborative projects, internships, or academic research related to space operations or engineering will be considered an asset. The ability to work in a team-oriented environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency 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 multilingual environment emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills in both written and spoken forms.

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 or year, depending on the candidate's university schedule. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process and in the workplace.