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Position Title: Intern in the Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section
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, technology development, and scientific research. ESA's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster International Cooperation in space exploration, ensuring that Europe plays a significant role in the global space community.

Job Overview:
The Internship-position" id="link" class="link">Internship Position is located at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. The intern will work under the direct authority of the Head of the Mechanical Department and will be involved in technical and strategic management across various space segment domains. The role focuses on life support and physical sciences instrumentation, contributing to projects that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of life support systems for future space missions. Interns will engage in Research and Development activities, collaborating with teams to explore innovative solutions for life support systems, particularly in the context of deep space exploration missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have the opportunity to choose between two main topics: 1) Regenerative Life Support Systems for Future Exploration Missions, where they will contribute to the MELiSSA project, focusing on the evaluation of life support systems, integration of plastic waste degradation, and identifying outputs for additive Manufacturing applications. 2) Oxygen production using molten salt electrolysis, where the intern will learn about lunar materials, develop procedures for sintering lunar soil, and support electrochemical experiments. Responsibilities include conducting research, performing laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with various teams within ESA.

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. The position requires a good knowledge of English or French, with additional languages being an asset. Educational backgrounds in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering are preferred, depending on the chosen topic.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering. The internship is designed for students who are in their final or second-to-last year of study, ensuring that they have a solid foundation in the necessary theoretical and practical aspects of their discipline.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and a keen interest in space exploration and life support systems. Experience in laboratory work, research projects, or relevant coursework will be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's application.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication within the diverse ESA environment.

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, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The internship will provide valuable experience in a leading space agency, contributing to significant projects that impact future space missions.