Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - Visualisation and Communication
Darmstadt, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
The Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department is responsible for all the ground systems engineering and support activities required to support mission operations and implement innovation.
The Department maintains and manages a full level of competences, technologies and services in all engineering disciplines related to ground systems, infrastructure, technology evolution and Engineering R&T and innovation.
The Department provides expert support in these areas to the Directorate of Operations for all current and potential missions and leads, in the role of architect, ground systems evolution and innovation implementation in the infrastructure and to other ESA programmes.
The Department is furthermore responsible for the overall technical innovation and technical standardisation coordination for the ground segment.
The Department is relying on the following domains of expertise:
- Ground Station Engineering;
- Flight Dynamics and Mission Analysis;
- Mission Operations Data Systems Engineering;
- Navigation Support;
- Multi-Mission Infrastructure – Ground Segment Integration and Testing.
For further details, interested candidates are encouraged to visit:
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
You can choose among the following topics:
1) Topic 1: Mission-Agnostic Space Operations Visualisation Platform
Modern mission operations require intuitive ways to explore and understand complex information. In this internship, you will help extend an existing visualisation tool with additional features and data integrations, to support mission planning, spacecraft monitoring, and training activities.
You will contribute to the development of an advanced 3D visualisation platform for space missions operations. This includes displaying spacecraft trajectories, communication networks, events, and operational annotations in a clear and engaging way.
Throughout this internship, you will gain experience in:
- developing interactive 3D and virtual reality applications;
- integrating and visualising operational data from different sources;
- designing features that improve situational awareness and decision making;
- working with modern game engines, such as Godot.
2) Topic 2: Communication and Community Building for Space Innovation
The OPS-GA Division develops a variety of innovative projects that support ESA's mission operations activities in areas such as data, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and digital transformation. Many of these projects are released under an ESA Community Licence to encourage collaboration and enable external communities to contribute, learn, and innovate alongside ESA.
In this internship, you will help increase the visibility and impact of these projects by developing communication strategies, creating engaging content, and identifying effective channels for outreach. Collaborating closely with technical teams and communication specialists, you will transform complex engineering concepts into clear and compelling messages tailored to different audiences.
As part of these activities, you will contribute to the maintenance and improvement of project websites, document communication activities, support the creation of presentations and promotional material, and help define communication guidelines that can be applied across multiple projects.
Throughout this internship, you will gain experience in:
- developing communication strategies for innovative space and technology projects;
- translating complex technical concepts into engaging and accessible narratives;
- working with technical experts and communication professionals to promote project outcomes;
- understanding how AI, data, and innovation projects contribute to ESA mission operations;
- measuring and documenting the impact of communication and outreach activities.
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 university course 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.
For Topic 1, experience with 3D graphics or visualization software (i.e., game engines, such as Godot, Unreal Engine, or Unity) is an asset.
For Topic 2, the ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences through presentations, web content, and other communication materials 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 ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int.
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, Cyprus, 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 and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
