Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

Under the direct authority of the Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality, the Head of the Systems Department (TEC-S) is providing Programme Directorates with the TEC entry point for system engineering support to projects.

In addition, the Head of the Systems Department is providing support to ESA programmes in the following areas:

• End-to-End Performance System Engineering;
• Space Segment Systems Engineering;
• In-Orbit Technology Demonstration and Validation;
• Development of Future Engineering Tools and Processes (inter alia artificial intelligence, sustainable engineering, simulation excellence, model-based system and engineering);
• Cross-cutting and interdisciplinary initiatives of the Agency as well as R&D prioritisation to TEC-R;
• Coordination and management of standardisation.

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Systems Department, the Head of the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE) is responsible to support projects for the Engineering of E2E systems on the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration/verification activities (SIV), and service preparation. To serve these functions, the Head of the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division defines and executes the associated technology developments and studies, as well as the verification and validation laboratory facilities, and support the preparation of the relevant engineering standards.

TEC-SE supports and develops the following engineering competences:

• E2E generic engineering tools, processes and competences;
• All aspects of Security engineering at System level, including cyber security, crypto, hardware and software security, link and data protection, frameworks, processes, vulnerability assessment, countermeasures at system, element and application levels including AI and Quantum;
• Telecommunication and Connectivity systems and techniques;
• Radio Navigation and PNT Systems and techniques, Formation Flying and RF metrology;
• E2E System Comms for Telemetry, Telecommand and Payload Data Dissemination, Tracking, Ranging, Radio Science and Time Transfer functions.

The engineering competence for this internship relates to this last item: E2E System Comms for TT&C, PDT, Ranging, Radio Science and Time Transfer functions.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Satellite Communications

Assessment and End-to-End Analysis of Space Communications links, including Tracking Telemetry and Command (TT&C) links for Science and Exploration missions up to Deep Space, and/or Payload Data Transmission (PDT) Links for Earth Observation missions;

Your tasks will include:

• Assessment of techniques;
• Performing simulations;
• Validation in TT&C laboratory;
• Upgrading existing simulators in PYTHON or other programming languages;
• Support to the Development and testing of Software Defined Radio prototyping platform for TT&C/PDT applications (possibly using GNU radio).

The analysis and simulation covers assessment of modulation, coding, acquisition and tracking techniques for satellite TT&C and PDT links. Participation as TT&C expert team member in early design studies of future space missions from Earth Orbiting to Deep Space.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

The topic requires educational knowledge, such as:

• Some experience on basic laboratory hardware usage and testing;
• Good knowledge of MATLAB, PYTHON or other programming languages;
• Familiarity with satellite communications.