Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) - Darmstadt, Germany

Under the direct authority of the Head of the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department, the Head of the Ground Station Engineering Division is responsible for ground station hardware and software engineering, including all necessary infrastructure in accordance with the technical and programmatic requirements. For this purpose, OPS-GS undertakes studies, research and technology development of systems aiming at the incorporation in the ground infrastructure of new and proven technologies, when new missions or reduction of costs so require. Furthermore, the Division provides relevant expertise and support during critical or routine operation phases, as requested by ESA programmes and external customers. The Division scope of expertise also addresses ground-based radar, optical tracking and communication technologies.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Developing and testing an instrument for astronomical star measurements for optical communication site characterisation

Measuring and analysing data;
Measurement of Polaris star images at high frequency using a modified astronomy telescope on the night sky;
Image analysis using Python scripting language for extracting Fried's parameter from Polaris angular jitter.

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.

Pursuing a degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent;
Knowledge of wave propagation techniques;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
Familiarity with free-space optical communication and atmospheric turbulence.

Other information

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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

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