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Position Title: Intern in the Emerging Technology Innovation
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, Earth observation, and technology development. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster International Cooperation in space exploration.

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 intern will work under the direct authority of the Head of the Future Missions and Architecture Department, contributing to the preparatory activities for future missions and instruments. The role involves developing a proof-of-concept demo for a quantum sensor database, which is crucial for enhancing Earth observation capabilities. The intern will engage in various tasks, including identifying key performance metrics for quantum sensors, designing the database demo, and visualizing technology trajectories. This position is ideal for candidates with a background in industrial engineering, database development, and a keen interest in quantum sensing technologies and space-based Earth observation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Identifying Figures of Merit (FoMs) for Quantum Sensors: Research and compile FoMs from selected quantum sensors to include in the demo.
• Designing the Database Demo: Structure and Design the demo version of the database.
• Visualizing Technology Trajectories: Create visualizations demonstrating historical trends and future projections for quantum sensors.
• Contributing to Modelling of Quantum Sensors: Develop physics models linking quantum sensor FoMs to Earth observation mission requirements.
• Applying the Database: Use the demo database to prioritize quantum sensor technology for Earth observation mission concepts.
• Presenting and Documenting Work: Prepare presentations showcasing the demo and document the design and architecture of the demo, providing recommendations for future development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They should 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, candidates should have a background in engineering, technology scouting, or Data Science, and familiarity with emerging technologies, especially quantum sensors, is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is that candidates must be enrolled in a university program, ideally pursuing a Master's degree. They should be in their final or second-to-last year of study, ensuring they have the necessary academic foundation to undertake the internship responsibilities.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate familiarity with database design and management, as well as an understanding of emerging technologies, particularly in the context of quantum sensors. Experience in Data Visualization and technology trends will be beneficial for the role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English or French, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of an additional language from another Member State is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be nationals of one of the specified ESA member states or associated countries. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a cutting-edge field, contributing to a project with significant real-world applications. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The closing date for applications is 30 November 2024, at 23:59 CET/CEST.