Intern in the Department of Future Missions & Architecture

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Position Title: Intern in the Department of Future Missions & Architecture
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 various countries in Europe and collaborates with numerous international partners. ESA'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. The agency is involved in a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among others.

Job Overview:
The internship opportunity is situated within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The selected intern will be involved in the Copernicus System Architecture Evolution Study, focusing on the time horizons of 2024 to 2040 and 2040 to 206

• This study aims to explore the potential evolution options of the Copernicus overall System Architecture, addressing the evolving use cases and needs in a comprehensive manner. The intern will engage in analyzing both space and ground segment aspects, identifying core observation functions, and examining the synergies of a multi-mission concept. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain insights into how space missions are defined through a system analysis approach, contributing to the development of scenarios for future Earth observation systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will support the Copernicus System Architecture Evolution Study by developing several scenarios for the identified time horizons. Responsibilities include identifying core observation functions, analyzing their resilience and availability, and ensuring observation provenance and originality. The intern will also work on creating a mixed system architecture that includes core missions and other elements, focusing on performance validation frameworks. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and may involve preparing reports and presentations to communicate findings effectively.

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. Additionally, familiarity with Copernicus remote sensing technologies and relevant strategic and technological trends in the Earth Observation domain would be advantageous.

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 Earth Observation, Space Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. The internship is designed for students who are in their final or second-to-last year of study, ensuring they have a solid academic foundation to contribute effectively to the project.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, any background in Earth Observation, remote sensing technologies, or system analysis would be beneficial. The internship is primarily aimed at students who are looking to gain practical experience in the field and develop their skills in a professional environment.

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 another language from a Member State is considered a valuable asset. This multilingual environment encourages effective communication and collaboration among diverse teams.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to nationals of specific European countries and cooperating states. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The agency provides necessary support to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace. The internship will last for the duration of the project, and candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 30 November 2024.