Intern in the Ground Segment Engineering and Innovation Department, Ground Station Backend 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 across various locations in Europe. 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 is involved in numerous projects related to Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, among others.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Ground Segment Engineering and Innovation Department, specifically in the Ground Station Backend Section at the European Space Operations Center (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The primary focus of this role is to engage in user interface development for the Generic Subsystem Controller (GSSC), which is a critical software component that facilitates monitoring and control functions for various subsystem controllers at ground stations. Interns will work closely with experienced engineers to modernize the existing user interface, which is currently outdated and requires enhancement using contemporary web technologies. This role provides an excellent opportunity for interns to gain hands-on experience in software development, particularly in the context of operational software utilized in space system ground infrastructure. Interns will learn about the architecture and interaction patterns between backend and frontend components, contribute to the design and development of a modernized web-based user interface, and apply modern web development frameworks such as React. Additionally, interns will gain valuable experience in object-oriented programming, with Java being the primary programming language used.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for several key tasks during their internship, including:

• Collaborating with the Ground Station Backend Software section engineers to understand the existing GSSC user interface and identify areas for improvement.
• Participating in the design and development of a modernized web-based user interface that enhances user experience and operational efficiency.
• Learning and applying modern web development frameworks, particularly React, to create responsive and user-friendly interfaces.
• Gaining practical experience in object-oriented programming, primarily using Java, to contribute to the backend functionalities of the GSSC.
• Engaging in discussions and brainstorming sessions with team members to foster innovative solutions and improvements.
• Documenting the development process and providing feedback on the usability of the new interface.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing to the overall project goals and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master's level, and must provide proof of enrollment at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A solid understanding of software development principles, particularly in Java or C++, is essential. Additionally, familiarity with Linux operating systems and experience in software development projects will be beneficial. Knowledge of terrestrial networking concepts (IP, TCP, UDP) or space communication protocols is considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and a proactive approach to learning and development.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. A master's level education is preferred, as it indicates a deeper understanding of complex software development concepts and practices. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their academic standing and commitment to their studies, as this internship requires a significant investment of time and effort to contribute effectively to the team.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in software development, particularly with Java or C++ programming languages. Experience working on Linux platforms is required, as the development environment for this internship will primarily utilize Linux-based systems. Additionally, any previous involvement in projects related to user interface design or web development will be advantageous. Interns should be prepared to showcase their previous work or projects during the interview process to demonstrate their capabilities and understanding of software development.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial in a collaborative work environment. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile, particularly in a diverse workplace.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is expected to last for the duration of the academic semester or as specified by the university's internship requirements. The role is open to nationals of ESA member states and cooperating states, ensuring a diverse pool of applicants. 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. Compensation details and benefits will be provided during the recruitment process, and the agency may require candidates to undergo selection tests as part of the evaluation process.