Intern in the Satellite Programmes Department, Greek National Telecom Satellite

Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) - Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team at the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications focuses on advancing satellite technologies and secure communications. We are currently engaged in the Greek National Satellite Space Project, supporting the nation’s Recovery and Resilience Facility plans. The project aims to enhance Greece’s capabilities in satellite technologies and ground-based facilities, empower data exchange, and foster the development of satellite applications within the country. As part of this mission, you will be directly involved in the hands-on activities of the project, contributing to real-world advancements in space technologies. 

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Greek National Satellite Space Project – Assembly, Integration and Testing

You will support the Greek National Satellite Space Project by contributing to the Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) phases of multiple CubeSat consortia and to the implementation of the Hellenic Assembly Integration & Testing (HAIT) Facility, a state-of-the-art national asset. You will work closely with the Project Manager, AIV Engineer, and System Engineers to assist in planning, executing, and monitoring verification and validation test campaigns.  

Your main activities will include: 

• Supporting the Assembly, Integration, and Verification (AIV) program, including the planning and execution of test campaigns;
• Assisting in the monitoring of technical progress in AIT activities, crosschecking that all requirements are implemented and verified;
• Contributing to the integration and testing of CubeSats, including working with optical payloads and Ground Support Equipment (GSE);
• Supporting the AIV Engineer in addressing technical challenges related to CubeSat integration and AIT Facility implementation in Greece; 
• Regularly reporting to the Project team the internship progress presenting results and analysis at the AIT-AIV level, proposing potential solutions where expected.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in satellite design, integration, and testing, while working closely with experts in the field. You will develop a strong understanding of AIT processes, satellite telecommunication systems, and gain practical skills in managing complex space projects.

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 a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language ( e.g. Greek) would be an asset.

Knowledge and background in satellite systems or subsystem design, development, and verification/testing.

And at least one of the following, will be considered an asset:

• Knowledge of space environmental effects in satellites (including mechanical and/or thermal) and means to verify through testing (including acquaintance with the relevant facilities) 
• Knowledge of satellite telecommunication payloads/platforms and functional verification processes.