Intern in the Science Projects Department, interactive spacecraft simulation model for EnVision

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Position Title: Intern in the Science Projects Department, interactive spacecraft simulation model for EnVision
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 international partnerships and collaborations, particularly in the fields of Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary science.

Job Overview:
This internship opportunity is situated within the Directorate of Science at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The intern will be part of the EnVision project team, which is responsible for the implementation of the EnVision mission, a Venus orbiter mission that aims to investigate the planet's atmosphere, surface, and interior. The intern's primary task will be to develop an interactive spacecraft simulation model that will assist engineers in understanding the spacecraft's operational environment. This model will depict the spacecraft in various mission phases and attitudes, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the spacecraft's interactions with its environment. The intern will work closely with spacecraft engineering and mission performance teams, contributing to the overall success of the EnVision mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with developing an interactive spacecraft simulation model for the EnVision mission. This includes creating a visual representation of the spacecraft in its orbit, showcasing different mission phases and spacecraft attitudes. The model should allow engineers to visualize the external environment of the spacecraft, including factors such as sunlight illumination, planet albedo, and the spacecraft's distance to Earth. The intern will also assess the possibility of incorporating virtual reality into the simulation. Additionally, the intern will develop specific views of the spacecraft's subsystems, highlighting their architectures and locations based on user selection. The model must be compatible with future interfaces that will utilize telemetry data from the spacecraft during on-ground tests or in-orbit operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They must remain enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A good knowledge of English or French is required, and knowledge of another Member State language is considered an asset. Familiarity with software tools such as Python, Ansys STK, SPICE/Cosmographia, or gaming development software is advantageous, as is a background in spacecraft system engineering.

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 aerospace engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. The candidate should be in their final or second-to-last year of study, ensuring they have the necessary academic foundation to contribute effectively to the internship.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, familiarity with software development, spacecraft systems, or simulation tools will be beneficial. The internship is designed for students, so practical experience in a professional setting is not a strict requirement, but any relevant project work or internships in related fields will be advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of additional languages spoken in ESA member states is considered a plus. This linguistic requirement ensures effective communication within the diverse team at ESA.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2024 at 23:59 CET/CEST. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency also welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and seeks to provide necessary accommodations in the workplace. Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations, and applications are only accepted from nationals of specific ESA member states.