Intern in The Mission Operations Department, Deep Space

Intern in the Mission Operations Department, Deep Space & External Services Section- **Job Requisition ID**:20060- **Date Posted**:1 November 2025- **Closing Date**:30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST- **Publication**:External Only- **Type of Contract**:Intern- **Directorate**:Operations- **Workplace**:Darmstadt, DE**Location**
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
** Our team and mission**-
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** Field(s) of activity for the internship**-
-** You can choose between the following topics**:
-** Topic 1: Development and Validation of Experimental Back-End Systems**-This internship focuses on the development, testing, and validation of experimental ground station back-end components. Activities include the use of Software Defined Radio (SDR) frameworks (particularly GNU Radio) for implementing and optimising flowgraphs tailored to various mission scenarios, especially those involving CubeSats and SmallSats. The work covers offline simulation as well as live test passes and includes the design of user-friendly interfaces to support dynamic configuration and efficient data access.-** Topic 2: Monitoring, Control and Scheduling of Experimental Ground Stations**--
- This internship addresses the design and integration of monitoring and control (M&C) systems within an experimental ground station environment. Tasks include the development of tools for station control, system health monitoring, scheduling and long-term maintainability. A key focus lies in achieving seamless integration of heterogeneous subsystems via various communication protocols and in implementing unified, sustainable control interfaces for use in the experimental operations room.
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- **Topic 3: Integration of External Systems and Experimental Demonstration Activities**
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This internship focuses on the integration of external systems (e.g., through REST APIs) into the experimental ground segment environment. Responsibilities include designing and implementing interfaces to external services, supporting real-time or simulated technology demonstrations, and conducting system integration tests. The role may also involve automation of operational workflows and performance evaluations to enhance system reliability and usability.

**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 studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be 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 ESA Member State language is an asset.-
For the position you should have:
-- knowledge of Python or another relevant programming language.
- general understanding of RF communication systems and signal processing.
- basic understanding of ground station systems for satellite communications.
- familiarity with SDR software (e.g., GNU Radio) or SDR FPGA programming is an asset.
** Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness**
- **Important Information and Disclaimer**
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
- The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
- **Nationality**
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