Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department, System Architect Office
Noordwijk
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Noordwijk
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Architecture, Building and Property Management
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department, System Architect Office
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The ESA Earth Observation System Architecture Office (EOP-FA) investigates new domains in Earth Observation, including innovative methods and technologies.
As part of the work, EOP-FA establishes an end-to-end system (of systems) view of ESA’s Earth Observation activities, in synergy with European, national, and commercial Earth Observation programmes. It explores new domains for Earth Observation permanently searching for innovation with an active external network to gather information and with benchmarking versus other organisations including the preparation of demonstrators and showcases to support funding decisions.
The main outcome of EOP-FA is the development of an overall reference architecture for European Earth Observation systems, via consultation of mission authorities of ESA Member States, EU and EUMETSAT as well as scenarios for its future evolution taking into account new technologies and applications and the emergence of commercial systems including New Space 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: Developing Earth Observation Scenarions for the European Earth Observation Ecosystem
You will develop innovative technical Earth Observation scenarios and apply or develop relevant simulation tools to analyse the effectiveness of the use of Earth Observation satellite systems in synergy. The analysis will identify gaps in capability and explore opportunities for new systems of systems architectures and Earth system observatory concepts considering evolving European user needs in a holistic manner. Analyses will cover the 2024 - 2040 and 2040 – 2060 time horizons.
Initial scenarios are to be built around mandatory core missions with reference quality performances (e.g. large Copernicus missions) complemented by other elements in a mixed system architecture approach.
Potential tools / guidelines include initial EO system scenarios, an internal data bases as well as complementary approaches to benchmark system design and compare different scenarios.
These activities offer ample scope for the successful candidate to develop a detailed understanding of future EO space system architecture development using a system analysis-scenario based approach.
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.
You should also have:
- knowledge of Earth Observation remote sensing technologies and the respective downstream science and applications;
- knowledge of relevant strategic and technological trends and developments inside/outside the space EO domain;
- IT knowledge in the areas of data bases and programming (e.g. Python).
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 contact.human.resources@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, 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, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.