Intern in the Mission Operations Department, Deep Space

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

These interniship contribute directly to the objectives of the ESA Special Mission Infrastructure Lab Environment ) by fostering innovation, experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration in the domain of ground operations. Intern will work closely with the SMILE team, gaining insight into operational challenges and contributing to the development of novel solutions for future mission support. You will be actively involved in ongoing experimental activities, including system prototyping, testing, integration, and performance evaluation, and will participate in regular technical discussions and collaborative reviews across disciplines. The internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a highly dynamic and interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of operations, engineering, and research.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: 

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.

Topic 3: Integration of External Systems and Experimental Demonstration Activities

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.

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

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

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.

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 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 
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).