Intern in AI, Data Foundation and Digital Twins

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany  

The Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department is responsible for all the ground systems engineering and support activities required to support mission operations and implement innovation.

The Department maintains and manages a full level of competences, technologies and services in all engineering disciplines related to ground systems, infrastructure, technology evolution and Engineering R&T and innovation. Moreover, it provides expert support in these areas to the Directorate of Operations for all current and potential missions and leads, in the role of architect, ground systems evolution and innovation implementation in the infrastructure and to other ESA programs. Furthermore it is responsible for the overall technical innovation and technical standardisation coordination for the ground segment.

You can see following domains of the department's expertise: 

• ground Station Engineering
• flight Dynamics and Mission Analysis
• mission Operations Data Systems Engineering
• navigation Support 
• multi-Mission Infrastructure – Ground Segment Integration and Testing

For further details, interested candidates are encouraged to visit:

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: 

You can choose between the following topics:

Topic 1: Data Foundations and Structures

Spacecraft and their associated ground data systems generate vast amounts of data during the monitoring and control process. This data is stored, processed, and analysed within the mission operations ground segment to ensure spacecraft health, correlate events, and support the development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.  

In this topic, you will explore the Agency's data foundations and structures, focusing on their role in advanced mission operations. This includes how data is ingested, managed, and curated, with emphasis on data governance, quality, lineage, accessibility, and compliance to enable data democratization. You can focus on the preparation of AI-ready datasets from existing operational or synthetically generated data, the verification and validation processes of AI, enhance AI model explainability, or address security challenges such as adversarial attacks and data poisoning. Overall, you will design and implement software to expand capabilities and resolve operational issues related to the Data Foundation of a Mission Operations Ground Segment.

Topic 2: Artificial Intelligence for Space Operations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a key technology in modern spacecraft operations applications. It is highly relevant to support automation, correlate data and execute pattern recognition and even enable digital assistants for operators, helping them operate the spacecraft and ground systems, including ground stations. As part of this topic, the trainees will contribute to the AI programme of the Directorate.   

A particular area of interest is this of knowledge engineering and discovery, content generation and reasoning using state-of-the-art technologies like Large Language Models. You will work on the design and implementation of AI software for an operational application, widely used by Flight Control Teams, leveraging the capabilities of generative AI and being exposed to the full lifecycle of an operational AI application. Examples are: Generation of RL environments and agents for space operations; Agentic architectures and implementation of specialized agents; Multi-modal capabilities.

Another area of interest revolves around time-series analysis, which is essential for identifying patterns and trends over time, particularly within the domain of ground segment engineering and mission operations. This includes applications for the prognostics and health management of spacecraft and ground systems and components. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, contributing to advancements in AI that can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mission operations. 

Topic 3: Digital Twins, AI Enhanced Simulation Models and Machine Learning

Simulators are complex software systems used to simulate the behavior of the spacecraft and ground equipment, and are used for testing of the ground segment and the training of the flight control team, as well as integration with operational simulators of other agencies (e.g. in the context of the planned international collaboration in the Moon/Mars programmes).

Advancements in simulation technologies includes the integration of Digital Twins concepts and the use of Machine Learning algorithms to process signals (time-series) and enhance the modeling of the complex spacecraft systems, predicting their behavior under various operational conditions and helping support and address resolution of operational issue.

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. 

Topic 1: knowledge or academic specialization in data centric architectures and engineering is an asset. 

Topic 2: knowledge or academic specialization in application of software engineering to data science and artificial intelligence solutions is an asset. 

Topic 3: knowledge or academic specialization in application of digital twins, time-series forecasting, machine learning or simulation technology to complex systems 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).