Intern in the Civil Security from Space Programme Office
Support the build-up of new ideas in the Civil Security from Space Programme Office.
Overview
Support the build-up of new ideas in the Civil Security from Space Programme Office.
You have:
- You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level.
- A good knowledge of one of the working languages (English or French) is required.
- Knowledge and experience of at least some of the technical fields relevant to CSS projects (e.g. satcom, EO, or Navigation satellite system).
- Natural curiosity, creativity, and a can-do attitude are very important.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership and initiative in your tasks.
- Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Contract
This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.
Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom
Our team and mission
Europe is facing increasingly significant challenges including natural disasters resulting from extreme weather events (fire, floods, earthquakes etc), and human-induced crises (e.g. cybercrime and geopolitical instability). We need to act swiftly to protect European citizens and businesses. The Civil Security from Space office supports a growing demand from public protection and disaster relief organisations for rapid, streamlined access to space-enabled data and connectivity, and for standardisation and interoperability of space-enabled solutions, to enable swifter and more effective anticipation of and response to civil security and crisis events.
The CSS office comprises a multi-disciplined team, bridging space domains (Satellite Communications, Earth Observation and Navigation capabilities) as well as backgrounds in civil security and disaster management. Working with end user stakeholders and European industry, the team supports projects which aim to put advanced satellite-enabled solutions into the hands of public protection and disaster management users. This includes developments across in-space data processing, smart connectivity and data transfer solutions, autonomous operations and decision making using artificial intelligence, and multiple applications serving needs across civil security and disaster management, with potential also for dual-use.
CSS activities form part of a wider ESA initiative called European Resilience from Space, which comprises several interlinked elements across Earth Observation, Connectivity, and Navigation, aiming to transform Europe’s ability to act autonomously in matters of crisis response and civil security.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Space for Public Protection and Disaster Response
Activities run by the CSS Office focus on harnessing space-based solutions to enable anticipation and mitigation as well as swift responses to civil security and crisis events. The goal is to leverage multiple space assets and systems (across both commercial and institutional Earth Observation, Navigation, and satcom), for the benefit of European citizens and institutions. CSS projects foster the development and standardisation of new capabilities leveraging space systems and technologies, together with new and disruptive innovations such as Artificial Intelligence, in-space edge computing, new user communications devices, advanced positioning and navigation solutions, sophisticated data management systems, and evolving human-machine interfaces. We are seeking an enthusiastic and innovative individual who will support the build-up of new ideas, concepts and projects together with the CSS team, and by engaging with industry and end users to identify needs and priorities.
In particular, your tasks may include:
- context and user needs analysis: Support research into specific use cases and/or national contexts to understand the stakeholder landscape, needs, and opportunities for space solutions for public protection and disaster management;
- horizon scanning: Research and analysis into current and emerging technology that leverages or supports the use of space technology for public protection and disaster relief efforts – identifying promising opportunities.
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.
Knowledge and experience of at least some of the technical fields relevant to CSS projects, e.g.:
- satcom, EO, or Navigation satellite system;
- software applications engineering;
- database engineering, data science;
- AI and machine learning;
- GIS.
Natural curiosity, creativity, and a can-do attitude are very important. Moreover, although you will be part of a wider team, you should have the ability to work independently and take ownership and initiative in your tasks.
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 [email protected].
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).
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a situation where you had to work independently on a project? | This question evaluates your ability to take initiative and work autonomously. | Provide a specific example where you successfully managed a project largely on your own. |
| What interests you most about working with space technologies in civil security? | The interviewer wants to understand your motivation and passion for the role. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you keep updated with current and emerging technologies in your field? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you applied your problem-solving skills in a difficult situation? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you approach understanding the needs of stakeholders in a project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What innovative ideas do you believe could enhance disaster response using space technology? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time you worked as part of a diverse team. What challenges did you face? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects simultaneously? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |