Intern in the Electrical Department, Radiation and Component Reliability Section

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 on-board software in all phases including pre-development and independent verification & validation of critical software, supporting software-system 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: Radiation and Electronics Components Reliability

In collaboration with lab engineers working in the materials and electronic components laboratory, you will participate in quality and reliability test activities on Electrical Electronic and Electromechanic (EEE) components. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with semiconductor characterisation, quality and reliability testing. Possible subjects for the internship follow: you shall indicate in the motivation letter the area and subject of interest.

Area A: Measurement and Characterisation of Integrated Circuits (IC)

A1_ Microelectronics Measurement and Testing
Participation in the setup and execution of IC measurement and testing protocols using advanced equipment, such as Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), Oscilloscopes, Source Measurement Units (SMU), Parameter analysers, to characterise components or complex System on Chip (SOC) testing.
Participation in the setup and execution of quality and reliability analysis of Integrated Circuits as fault localization on electronics devices: lock-in thermography, photon emission microscopy, electron beam induced current etc.

A2_ Radiation Hardness Assurance characterisation 
Participation to characterisation and radiation tests of ICs under various radiation environments.
Automated Test System (ATS) on Components off the Shelf (COTS) – Programming and development of electronics test for radiation effects. Sample preparation, testing and results analysis in various radiation environments.

A3_ Dosimetry based on Si
Participation to development and validation of methods for X-ray dosimetry based MOSFETs with the aim of measurements of dose and dose profiles during CTscan X-ray analyses on electronics components and boards.

Area B: Technology communication and outreach

• In collaboration with lab engineers working in the laboratories, list and describe methodologies and equipment used for EEE components test and analysis for various audience.
• Prepare narratives and scripts to present effectively the laboratory equipment and activities for guided tours.
• Perform on weekly/monthly basis guided tours addressing different categories of visitors (students, general public, internal colleagues, technical experts, etc) with different content and registers of communication to be used depending on the audience.

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.