Intern in the Flight Software Section

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Position Title: Intern in the Flight Software Section
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 30 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

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 space missions, including Earth observation, human and robotic exploration, and satellite navigation.

Job Overview:
The internship opportunity is situated within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The Flight Software Section is responsible for providing expert technical support for the development, functional verification, and validation of on-board software for all ESA missions and satellites. This includes a wide range of activities from space science to Earth observation and navigation. Interns will have the chance to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to significant missions such as Rosetta and Galileo. The internship will involve hands-on experience with software development, verification, and validation processes, as well as exposure to the latest advancements in space technology.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have the opportunity to choose from several topics related to flight software development. Responsibilities may include porting and validating software building blocks for RISC-V architecture, contributing to verification and validation activities for multicore systems, assisting in the configuration of embedded real-time Linux systems, and evaluating novel software verification and validation tools and methodologies. Interns will also be expected to familiarize themselves with hardware and software architectures, the software development life cycle, and ECSS standards applicable to the software domain. Additionally, they will gain insights into spacecraft systems engineering and participate in standardization activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. A good knowledge of English or French is required, and knowledge of another Member State language is considered an asset. Specific qualifications may vary depending on the chosen topic, with preferences for backgrounds in real-time embedded software development, operating systems, and software verification tools.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in a university program, ideally pursuing a Master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, software engineering, or aerospace engineering. Candidates must remain enrolled for the entire duration of the internship to be eligible.

Experience:
While prior experience is not mandatory, candidates with backgrounds in real-time embedded software development, Linux kernel configuration, or software verification methodologies will be preferred. Experience with specific tools and technologies related to the chosen internship topic will be considered an asset.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is either English or French, with a good command of one being essential. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in ESA member states is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position based at the ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The closing date for applications is 30 November 202

• ESA is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The agency values inclusivity and aims to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Applications are only accepted from nationals of specific ESA member states, as well as certain associate and cooperating states.