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Position Title: Intern in the Earth Observation Department, Estimation of per-pixel uncertainties
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. 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 known for its innovative projects in Earth observation, human spaceflight, and satellite navigation, among others.

Job Overview:
This 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 Sentinel Expansion missions, specifically the CHIME (Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment). This mission aims to enhance services for sustainable Agricultural Practices, Biodiversity management, and soil property characterization through advanced hyperspectral observations. The intern will participate in system engineering and satellite engineering activities, focusing on onboard satellite Artificial Intelligence processing and evaluating end-to-end mission performances. The role will provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and methodologies in the field of Earth observation, contributing to significant environmental monitoring efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with developing algorithms and software tools for estimating pixel uncertainties associated with level 1 and level 2 products for the CHIME hyperspectral mission. Responsibilities include engaging in the evaluation of end-to-end mission performances of hyperspectral data, utilizing software tools such as the end-to-end simulator (E2E) and the Observation Performance Simulator (OPSI). The intern will help define necessary algorithms for estimating per-pixel uncertainties and implement these in dedicated software tools. Additionally, the intern will identify contributors to radiometric, spectral, and geometric uncertainties and propagate these through the processing chains for level 1 and level 2 data products. The role also includes opportunities for collaboration with the CHIME Mission Advisory Group and industrial teams involved in simulator development.

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, with additional languages being an asset. Familiarity with data Analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB, a solid engineering background, and programming skills are advantageous. Understanding space system Design is also beneficial.

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, Computer Science, or environmental science. The internship is designed for students who are in their final or penultimate year of study, ensuring that they have a solid academic foundation to support their practical work in the internship.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should possess a foundational understanding of engineering principles and Software Development. Experience with Data Analysis tools and programming languages will be beneficial, as will any previous internships or projects related to Earth observation or satellite technology.

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. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for this internship.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be nationals of one of the specified ESA member states or cooperating states. The internship is an equal opportunity position, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals with disabilities. The agency is committed to creating an inclusive working environment and will provide necessary support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process. The internship will last for the duration of the project, and specific details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided upon selection.