Intern in the Ground Segment Engineering and Innovation Department, Ground Station Backend Section

Contribute to the development of user interfaces for ESA Ground Stations.

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

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

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Overview

Contribute to the development of user interfaces for ESA Ground Stations.

You have:

  • You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level.
  • Good knowledge of English or French is required; knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
  • Experience with software development in Java or C++ on Linux is required.
  • Knowledge and background in terrestrial networking (IP, TCP, UDP) or space communication protocols is an asset.
  • You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Contract

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

Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

Our group is in charge of developing, deploying and maintaining software applications for the ground stations of the ESA Tracking Network. That encompasses the domain of monitoring and control, data communication as well as planning and scheduling. In this context one recurring task is the development of graphical user interfaces for the various systems deployed at ground stations of the ESA Tracking Network and at the European Space Operations Center.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship : User Interface Development for Generic Subsystem Controller (GSSC)

The Ground Station Backend (GSB) Software section develops and maintains the Generic Subsystem Controller (GSSC), a reusable software component providing common monitoring and control functions for subsystem controllers. The GSSC includes a user interface that enables operators to monitor and control subsystems across the ground station intranet. This interface is currently outdated and in need of modernization using web-based technologies.

The internship will focus on working closely with the GSB section engineers to improve and extend the GSSC user interface. As a result, you will:

  • learn the architecture and interaction patterns between GSSC's backend and frontend components.
  • contribute to the design and development of a modernized web-based user interface.
  • apply modern web development frameworks (e.g. React).
  • gain experience in object-oriented programming, with Java as a primary language.
  • this position offers hands-on experience contributing to operational software used in space system ground infrastructure.

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 with software development in Java or C++ on Linux is required. Knowledge and background in terrestrial networking (IP, TCP, UDP) or space communication protocols 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 [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

What motivated you to apply for this internship in user interface development? We want to assess your interest and understanding of the role. Explain your passion for software development and interest in space technology.
Can you describe your experience with Java or C++ in your past projects? This question assesses your technical skills relevant to the internship. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach modernizing outdated software interfaces? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What frameworks have you used for web development and how did you utilize them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure your code is efficient and maintainable? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle working in a team on software projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What improvements would you suggest for an outdated user interface? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with Linux systems? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int