Intern in the Electrical Department, Flight Software Section

Gain hands-on experience with multicore space processors and contribute to future spacecraft software development.

This opening expired 6 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

ESA - European Space Agency

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Application deadline 6 months ago: Sunday 30 Nov 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Gain hands-on experience with multicore space processors and contribute to future spacecraft software development.

You have:

  • 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.
  • Experience in real-time embedded software development is an asset.
  • Experience with multicore architectures is an asset.
  • Experience with RTEMS or similar real-time operating systems is an asset.
  • Understanding of Time and Space Partitioning (TSP) concepts is an asset.
  • Preference will be given to candidates opting for a 6-month internship.

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Avionics & EEE Division is responsible for all aspects related to Avionics (with inputs from AOCS/GNC), Data Systems, Microelectronics, Flight Software and EEE Components and associated laboratory facilities. The responsibilities also extend to technology/product development and support to standardisation.

More specifically TEC-ED responsibilities encompass:

  • Definition of Avionics architecture (with inputs from AOCS/GNC) including procurement of associated products and supported through the Division’s following responsibilities:

    • On-board computer and Data Handling (PL/PF) for space systems, including their procurement and end-to-end validation (in close collaboration with TEC-EF);
    • Engineering of spacecraft flight software in all phases including requirements specification, architecture and detailed design, and verification & validation of critical software, supporting software-system, operations and functional engineering activities.
  • Microelectronics and EEE Components:

    • Microelectronic devices and systems including development of radiation hardening techniques for such systems;
    • EEE Components both passive and active, including product development. Qualification, reliability and Radiation Hardness Assurance in support of TEC-Q;
    • Contribute to the European Space Component Coordination (ESCC) and all associated activities.
  • Development and operation of a reference laboratory for components evaluation against the space environment (including radiation), reliability assessment, Data Systems, Microelectronics and Flight Software domains.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Benchmarking on Multicore Space Processors

A benchmarking infrastructure has been recently set up in the ESA Flight SW lab, to evaluate multicore processors for space applications. The facility includes GR712RC, GR740 and GR765 processors and a suite of benchmark software.

This task focuses on using that setup to experiment with various processor configurations, software scheduling concepts, run performance benchmarks and analyse the results. You will work with real-time embedded software, primarily using RTEMS on LEON and RISC-V-based devices, to assess system behaviour under various configurations. The outcome will help guide future development and optimisation of multicore software for space missions.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with processors used in space missions, work with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the development of reliable software platforms for future spacecraft.

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.

Experience in the following areas is an asset:

  • real-time embedded software development;
  • familiarity with multicore architectures;
  • experience with RTEMS or similar real-time operating systems;
  • understanding of Time and Space Partitioning (TSP) concepts.

Preference will be given to candidates opting for a 6-month internship.

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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.

Potential interview questions

What motivated you to apply for this internship position? The interviewer is assessing your motivation and alignment with the role. Discuss your interest in avionics and software development for space missions.
Can you describe your experience with real-time embedded software development? The interviewer wants to understand your related skills and background. Pro members can see the explanation.
How familiar are you with multicore architectures? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you understand about Time and Space Partitioning (TSP) concepts? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a time you worked in a team to solve a complex problem? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a challenging technical problem you faced and how you resolved it. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you describe your proficiency in English and/or French? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you hope to learn during this internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int