Intern in the Systems Department, Space Segment AIT/AIV Section

Contribute to explore Project needs regarding logistics for test and launch campaigns.

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

Contribute to explore Project needs regarding logistics for test and launch campaigns.

You have:

  • You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level.
  • You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.
  • A good knowledge of English or French is required.
  • Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
  • Knowledge and background in systems engineering, FDIR, and software are 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

Our team and mission

The Space Segment Systems Engineering Division is responsible supporting projects with space segment system engineering expertise, covering space platforms, payload/instrument systems, and the ground validation of the space segment. More specifically the responsibilities encompass:

  • Platform system activities covering among others system design, trading and evaluation, requirements management including traceability, consistency, flow down to subsystem/ unit level and internal/external interfaces, VCD, system budgets, coordination of verification activities, support to FDIR definition and system modes management;
  • Support to operations concept, support to launch and in-flight commissioning, support the implementation of space sustainability practices and policies; support to interdisciplinary and cross-cutting initiatives, and support to development of future space platforms.
  • Payload/instrument system activities including payload design at spacecraft level interfacing with optical/RF chain experts, payload requirements management and support to payload AIV/AIT.
  • Space Segment system AIV/AIT activities covering all system level and payload verification aspects including assembly integration, environmental and functional testing. Preparation and support to launch campaign, LEOP and commissioning. Development and verification processes, including real-time test bench technologies. Development of EGSE systems and associated ground software products and technologies in close collaboration with all ESA stakeholders to achieve synergies with ground control systems including information modelling, system databases and data repositories.

The internship opportunity is offered within a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-thinking team focused on providing experts’ support to Projects at System, Subsystems and Instrument levels in the Assembly, Integration, Verification, Testing and Programmatic domains. Our TEC-SYA team supports both ongoing and future missions, throughout Projects phases including in particular integration and test phases, Environmental Test Campaigns and Launch Campaigns.

The demand by Projects for support in logistical matters is increasing, particularly regarding procedures for customs formalities and tariffs related to non-EU campaigns, as well as issues associated with export control and logistics. The selected candidate will contribute to explore the Project needs with respect to logistical aspects in preparation of test and launch campaigns, in particular focusing on collecting info on the evolving scenario concerning tariffs, required custom formalities and associated documentation required.

The working environment is international, multidisciplinary, and highly supportive of learning, innovation, and professional growth. You will be mentored by experienced engineers and will have the opportunity to interact with professionals across various domains, gaining insight into the full lifecycle of space missions. The team values curiosity, proactivity, initiative, and collaboration, and encourages interns to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: AIT engineering in logistics in preparation of test and launch campaigns

As an intern, you will contribute to explore the Project needs with respect to logistical aspects in preparation of test and launch campaigns, in particular focusing on collecting information on the evolving scenario concerning tariffs, required custom formalities and associated documentation required.

Your tasks will include:

  • Coordinating with other entities in charge within the Agency to get acquainted with current organization and split of responsibilities;
  • Reviewing international regulations to identify and extract relevant info applicable to logistics of ESA Projects;
  • Collecting Lessons Learnt and hints from Project teams, aiming to better tune the efforts toward needs;
  • Collecting info useful to determine the boundaries of applicable regulations to the extent required by ESA Projects and identify current gaps and needs;
  • Proposing a viable way forward aiming to minimise financial and technical risks associated with the logistic domain;
  • Prepare a final presentation to present to TEC-SYA team the findings over the internship period.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of AIV/AIT and associated Logistics. You will develop skills in systems thinking, technical analysis, and communication, while working in an international multidisciplinary, and innovation-driven environment. I am not looking for superheroes, rather for serious, motivated and proactive persons who can work independently while having a strong team spirit and the ability to collaborate effectively with other persons and entities, contributing to meaningful developments that will shape the future of space exploration and associated key aspects.

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 background in systems engineering, FDIR, and software are 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.

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

Can you describe a situation where you had to manage a logistical challenge? The interviewer wants to assess your problem-solving skills in a practical context. Detail the situation, your approach, and the outcome.
How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple deadlines? This question evaluates your time management skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you know about ESA's role in space exploration? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you worked in a multidisciplinary team. What was your contribution? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to apply for this internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle receiving critical feedback? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a technical analysis you have conducted in a previous project or study? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain your understanding of customs formalities and tariffs in logistics. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int