Intern in the ESA's Advanced Concepts Team

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Position Title: Intern in the ESA's Advanced Concepts Team
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 members. The agency operates across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, satellite technology, and Earth observation. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster international cooperation in space exploration, ensuring that Europe plays a significant role in the global space community.

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 Advanced Concepts Team (ACT) is tasked with conducting multidisciplinary research aimed at exploring innovative concepts and advanced space systems. Interns will engage in research that contributes to the strategic planning of ESA by investigating novel areas in space technology and R&D. The internship will involve working on specific topics such as bird-inspired stabilization systems, dataset generation for collision avoidance, solar sailing with reinforcement learning, and distributed quantum sensing in space. Interns will be expected to contribute to the development of new methodologies and technologies that align with ESA's long-term strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for conducting research and development in their chosen topic area. This includes implementing algorithms, conducting simulations, and analyzing data to support the objectives of the Advanced Concepts Team. Interns will also be expected to collaborate with team members, present findings, and contribute to the documentation of research outcomes. Specific duties may include developing models for camera stabilization, generating datasets for collision avoidance, simulating solar sail dynamics, and designing quantum sensing networks. Interns will need to demonstrate initiative and creativity in their approach to problem-solving and research.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. A strong background in relevant analytical and computational methods is essential. Interns should possess good problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a keen interest in space technology and research. Familiarity with programming languages and simulation tools relevant to their project topic will be advantageous. Additionally, candidates should have a good understanding of scientific principles and methodologies related to their area of research.

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 engineering, physics, computer science, or a related discipline. Candidates must remain enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship, ensuring that they can balance academic commitments with the internship responsibilities.

Experience:
While prior experience in a professional setting is not mandatory, any relevant internships, projects, or research experience in space technology, engineering, or related fields will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic record and a passion for advancing knowledge in space exploration and technology.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another Member State language is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication within the team and with external collaborators.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to candidates from ESA member states, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Canada, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus are also eligible to apply. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The internship is expected to last for a defined period, and interns will receive guidance and support throughout their experience.