Intern in the Future Navigation Department, LEO-PNT Project
European Space Agency (ESA)
Leo
Burkina Faso
December 1, 2025
InternDecember 1, 2025
Intern in the Future Navigation Department, LEO-PNT Project
European Space Agency (ESA) About
The European Space Agency About is an intergovernmental organisation of 22 member states dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, ESA has more than 2000 staff worldwide. The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its 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's space flight programme includes human spaceflight (mainly through participation in the International Space Station program); the launch and operation of unmanned exploration missions to other planets and the Moon; Earth observation, science and telecommunication; designing launch vehicles; and maintaining a major spaceport, the Guiana Space Centre at Kourou, French Guiana.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is a leading organization in the field of space exploration and technology. 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 multiple countries and is involved in various international collaborations, focusing on areas such as Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation. The agency is committed to advancing European capabilities in space and fostering innovation in the sector.
Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Future Navigation Department, specifically within the LEO-PNT Project, offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology in the field of Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (LEO-PNT). This role is designed for university students, preferably at the master's level, who are eager to contribute to the development of innovative navigation solutions that augment traditional GNSS systems. Interns will have the chance to work on significant projects that aim to enhance navigation resilience, accuracy, and agility, addressing the growing demand for robust PNT services. The internship will involve working on specific topics related to LEO-PNT, including the development of intersatellite link (ISL) concepts and reliability analysis for large satellite constellations. Interns will be expected to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining valuable experience in the space industry.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have the opportunity to choose between two main topics of focus. For Topic 1, interns will work on the advanced ISL concept and simulator development, which includes defining the ISL network concept based on system-level requirements, developing an ISL simulator, and assessing failure scenarios. For Topic 2, interns will focus on the Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety (RAMS) concept, deriving dependability requirements for the LEO-PNT system. This involves defining system-level availability and reliability figures, developing a mathematical model for these figures, and creating a simulator for validation. Interns will also be expected to engage in behavioral competencies such as result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master's level, and must be able to demonstrate enrollment at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A good command of English or French is required, with knowledge of additional ESA Member State languages considered an asset. Experience with mathematical and engineering packages, programming languages such as Python, Matlab, and STK, as well as knowledge in network architectures, graph theory, and radionavigation for Topic 1, or statistics for Topic 2, is highly recommended.
Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline. The internship is particularly suited for those studying at the master's level, as the complexity of the tasks requires a solid academic foundation and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in the space sector.
Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates are encouraged to have familiarity with scientific and technical computing, as well as any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate their capability in the areas of navigation systems, reliability analysis, or satellite communications. Interns should be prepared to engage with complex systems and contribute to innovative solutions in a collaborative environment.
Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the European Space Agency. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile and ability to communicate within the diverse workforce 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 project phase, with a focus on providing practical experience in a professional setting. The European Space Agency 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.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is a leading organization in the field of space exploration and technology. 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 multiple countries and is involved in various international collaborations, focusing on areas such as Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation. The agency is committed to advancing European capabilities in space and fostering innovation in the sector.
Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Future Navigation Department, specifically within the LEO-PNT Project, offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology in the field of Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (LEO-PNT). This role is designed for university students, preferably at the master's level, who are eager to contribute to the development of innovative navigation solutions that augment traditional GNSS systems. Interns will have the chance to work on significant projects that aim to enhance navigation resilience, accuracy, and agility, addressing the growing demand for robust PNT services. The internship will involve working on specific topics related to LEO-PNT, including the development of intersatellite link (ISL) concepts and reliability analysis for large satellite constellations. Interns will be expected to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining valuable experience in the space industry.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have the opportunity to choose between two main topics of focus. For Topic 1, interns will work on the advanced ISL concept and simulator development, which includes defining the ISL network concept based on system-level requirements, developing an ISL simulator, and assessing failure scenarios. For Topic 2, interns will focus on the Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety (RAMS) concept, deriving dependability requirements for the LEO-PNT system. This involves defining system-level availability and reliability figures, developing a mathematical model for these figures, and creating a simulator for validation. Interns will also be expected to engage in behavioral competencies such as result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation, and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master's level, and must be able to demonstrate enrollment at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A good command of English or French is required, with knowledge of additional ESA Member State languages considered an asset. Experience with mathematical and engineering packages, programming languages such as Python, Matlab, and STK, as well as knowledge in network architectures, graph theory, and radionavigation for Topic 1, or statistics for Topic 2, is highly recommended.
Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline. The internship is particularly suited for those studying at the master's level, as the complexity of the tasks requires a solid academic foundation and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in the space sector.
Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates are encouraged to have familiarity with scientific and technical computing, as well as any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate their capability in the areas of navigation systems, reliability analysis, or satellite communications. Interns should be prepared to engage with complex systems and contribute to innovative solutions in a collaborative environment.
Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the European Space Agency. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile and ability to communicate within the diverse workforce 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 project phase, with a focus on providing practical experience in a professional setting. The European Space Agency 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.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.