Our team and mission

Through a partnership between human spaceflight and robotic missions, the directorate of human and robotic exploration (D/HRE) is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The ExPeRT Team (Exploration Preparation Research and Technology) plans and implements to schedule and budget preparatory mission concepts, system studies and technology development activities for all ESA exploration destinations, including LEO (Low Earth Orbit), cis-lunar space, the Moon and Mars.
 

The ExPeRT Team integrates all activities needed to prepare for and initiate new human and robotic exploration missions. This preparation is essential to position Europe for upcoming opportunities with various partners expected in the next few years. The objectives of ExPeRT are to:

• ensure that future exploration missions, projects and associated technologies are well prepared and de-risked;
• facilitate the selection process of new exploration missions and projects by providing the adequate maturity for system definition and technology readiness;
• establish new collaborations with international partners (both existing and emerging) to create future exploration opportunities;
• identify European leadership and enable autonomous capability.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Model-based system engineering for space exploration missions

You will contribute to the activities of the Exploration Preparation Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team. The internship will focus on the application and assessment of Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) approaches in the context of preparatory exploration missions.

The activities will be divided into two phases:

Exploratory phase (two months):

• reviewing the current use of MBSE methods and tools in recent and ongoing mission studies conducted within the ExPeRT team, building upon existing internal reports and received system models;
• performing a quick comparative analysis of the main MBSE tools, highlighting their capabilities, strengths, limitations, and suitability for different types of exploration projects. This will result in a classification and guidance framework to support the selection of the most appropriate tools according to the specific needs of each study;
• exploring the integration of MBSE methodologies with other engineering domains, such as requirements management, thermal analysis, power budgets, structural design, trajectory analysis, and computer aided design.

This phase can be done in relation to other directorates (e.g. MBSE engineers from other directorates, the Concurrent Design Facility team…) as well as with ongoing exploration missions in implementation phase (e.g. Argonaut lander team…).

Application phase (integrated within the team of an ongoing ExPeRT study, internal or with the industry) (four months):

• developing a representative system model for a selected reference mission scenario (for example, a small lunar mission study, a deep space habitat simulator, or a post-International Space Station study). The model will aim to integrate multiple engineering perspectives in a consistent and traceable manner, demonstrating modern system engineering practices;
• documenting lessons learnt and proposing a standardised set of integrated tools and methods on how the ExPeRT team and its industrial partners could make more effective use of MBSE approaches in future studies and technology development activities.

Through these tasks, you will gain hands-on experience in advanced system engineering methods while contributing to the preparation of Europe’s future exploration missions. The work will also provide valuable insights into how MBSE can enhance collaboration, improve consistency across disciplines, and support decision making in early mission phases.

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 space systems, systems engineering, and MBSE are an asset.