Our team and mission

Our team is dedicated to the end-to-end definition, engineering, technology breadboarding, and pre-development of optical payload systems for future Earth Observation (EO) missions. These missions encompass both research-oriented projects, such as Earth Explorers, Missions of Opportunity, and Scout missions, as well as operational missions like Copernicus and meteorology missions.

The primary activities involve the development of various EO payloads, including multispectral imagers, imaging spectrometers, Fourier-Transform spectrometers, and active laser payloads. These payloads are designed for Earth surface and atmosphere sensing, covering a broad wavelength range from ultraviolet to far infrared.

The team works closely with the other staff from Future Missions and Instruments Division and from D/EOP and the Directorate of Technology, Engineering & Quality (D/TEC) and other Directorates involved in optical engineering activities.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: EO imager and spectrometer instrument performance modelling

You will contribute to the development of a performance simulation model for imager and spectrometer instruments to be used for early instrument development phases. The model is based on a python code and simulates spatial, optical, spectral and radiometric performances of an instrument (over a full detector grid):

• the geometrical package calculates parameters like pixel line of sight, focal lengths, spatial sample sizes;
• the optical package simulates effects of diffraction and aberrations as well as basic straylight;
• the spectral package (spectrometer) calculates the ISRF;
• the radiometric package calculates the radiometric performance (spectrally resolved) of the instrument.

Your work will be separated into three activities. The detailed workplan will be adapted over the activity:

• Working on the model:
  
  • review and correction of existing model (coding of physical and optical effects);
  • development of further functionalities (large field detectors, advanced simulation of components - e.g. gratings, different detector types, graphical user interface).

• Enhancing model accessibility:
  
  • generation of user manual and algorithm baseline;
  • execution of model reviews and model verification campaigns.

• Application of the model:
  
  • application of model during reviews in the department;
  • contribute to the preliminary dimensioning of future instrument.

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 physics and optical instruments is required.

Knowledge and background in mathematical programming is an asset.