Intern in the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section, Link Budget Tool

Intern in the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section, Link Budget Tool

Job Requisition ID: 20057

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November :59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Intern

Directorate: Operations

Workplace:Darmstadt, DE

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

ESA's tracking station network – Estrack – is a global system of ground stations providing links between satellites in orbit and ESOC, the European Space Operations Centre, Darmstadt, Germany. The core Estrack network comprises seven stations in seven countries.

Each station features one or more antenna terminals, each of which comprises a parabolic dish antenna and its associated radio signal processing equipment. Using the signals received from space, stations gather radiometric data to help mission controllers know the location, trajectory and velocity of their spacecraft.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website:

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship : Link Budget Tool

You will report to the Head of the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section in the Ground Facilities Operations Division. This Section is responsible for the maintenance and operational management of the ESA Tracking Network (ESTRACK).

The ESA Link Budget Tool is the reference tool of the European Space Operations Centre for the characterization of the radio-frequency communication link between spacecraft and ground antenna.

You will contribute to the continuous development, support, and optimization of the ESA Link Budget Tool in a collaborative, user-focused environment.

Specifically, the intern will be part of to the development of a file-based interface for the exchange of link budget parameters and calculations between the Agency and the spacecraft manufacturer, using the CCSDS LBDF Orange Book standard as a starting reference to be applied in missions such as LISA. You will follow the Agency's implementation workflow by ensuring that requirements are met and that implementation activities are properly executed through in-depth tool validation.

Additionally, you will support studies on the integration of the Link Budget Tool with the ground station scheduling tool, which is responsible for allocating ground station coverage to each space mission supported by ESTRACK. This task requires close interaction and coordination with both the ground station and mission operations teams.

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.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

For this position you should have:

• basic knowledge of Phyton programming code.
• proactive, able to multitask and have strong self-motivation.
• good communication skills for handling a broad range of interfaces and the ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at

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

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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