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Position Title: Intern in the Chemical Propulsion test practices
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 in Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space technology and research. ESA's mission encompasses a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration, with a commitment to fostering innovation and scientific discovery in the field of space.

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 intern will work under the direct authority of the Head of the Mechanical Department and will be involved in the technical and strategic management of chemical propulsion, fluid mechanics, and flight vehicles engineering. The primary focus of this internship is to investigate and report on best practices for chemical propulsion testing in Europe. This includes familiarizing oneself with various hot-fire chemical propulsion test facilities, their operational standards, and techniques across ESA member states. The intern will be responsible for compiling a comprehensive report that captures the various facility approaches to testing, which will support ESA's development activities and contribute to the agency's internal database.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Investigating and reporting on best practices for chemical propulsion testing in Europe.
• Identifying and contacting hot-fire chemical propulsion test facilities to gather information on their operational standards and techniques.
• Familiarizing oneself with various aspects of propulsion testing, including vacuum system operation, thrust measurement, propellant management, calibration methodology, facility instrumentation, and data acquisition methodologies.
• Updating ESA's database with the basic facilities information, status, and contact details.
• Generating a best practices report that will be an internal document for ESA, capturing the various facility approaches to testing.
• Conducting a general survey of facility stakeholders to assess their specific needs regarding best practices in propulsion testing.

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 would be considered an asset. Additionally, a background in propulsion engineering and testing is 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 aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline. The candidate should be in their final or second-to-last year of study, ensuring they have the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the internship.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates with knowledge or background in propulsion engineering and testing will have an advantage. The internship is designed for students, so practical experience in the field is not a strict requirement, but familiarity with propulsion systems and testing methodologies will be beneficial.

Languages:
The mandatory working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is essential for effective communication within the agency. Additionally, knowledge of another language from an ESA member state would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to collaborate with diverse teams.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to nationals of specific ESA member states, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and others. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. ESA also values individuals with disabilities and aims to provide necessary support in the workplace. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2024 at 23:59 CET/CEST.