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Position Title: Intern in the Mission Analysis Section, GPU Based Algorithms
Location: Darmstadt
Country: Germany
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'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. ESA operates across multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and various centers, including the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, which focuses on satellite operations and mission control.

Job Overview:
The Internship-position" id="link" class="link">Internship Position is situated within the Directorate of Operations at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The primary focus of this internship is on GPU Based Algorithms for Mission Analysis Applications. Interns will engage in developing algorithms that leverage Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) to enhance mission analysis capabilities. This role is crucial as it aims to address the challenges associated with the computational intensity of mission analysis tasks, particularly in solving the Lambert Problem, which involves finding orbits connecting two points in space-time. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of parameter maps that assist Mission Analysts in spacecraft trajectory Design and selection, thereby playing a vital role in advancing ESA's mission objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop and implement GPU algorithms to solve the Lambert Problem, focusing on generating parameter maps for mission analysis.
• Collaborate with the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department to integrate GPU technology into existing mission analysis frameworks.
• Conduct Monte Carlo simulations to assess the performance of the developed algorithms in real-time scenarios.
• Analyze and optimize the computational efficiency of the algorithms to ensure they meet the demands of complex mission analysis tasks.
• Document the development process and results, providing comprehensive reports and presentations to the team.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on innovation and technology evolution in mission operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Must be a university student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a Master’s level course.
• Must remain enrolled at the university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in computational mathematics and algorithm development.
• Familiarity with GPU programming and parallel computing concepts is highly desirable.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python and C++ is essential.
• A good understanding of orbital mechanics and mission analysis principles is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics. A strong academic background with a focus on computational methods and algorithm design is preferred. Candidates should have completed coursework related to numerical methods, optimization, and programming, which will be beneficial for the tasks involved in this internship.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some prior experience in programming and algorithm development, preferably through academic projects or internships. Familiarity with GPU programming and experience in scientific computing will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team 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 Member State language would be considered an asset. Proficiency in technical English, particularly in scientific and engineering contexts, is essential for effective communication within the team.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations. The European Space Agency is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The application deadline is set for 30 November 2024 at 23:59 CET/CEST. The internship will provide valuable experience in a leading space organization and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in mission analysis.