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 spacecraft flight software in all phases including requirements specification, architecture and detailed design, and verification & validation of critical software, supporting software-system, operations 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: Benchmarking on Multicore Space Processors

A benchmarking infrastructure has been recently set up in the ESA Flight SW lab, to evaluate multicore processors for space applications. The facility includes GR712RC, GR740 and GR765 processors and a suite of benchmark software. 

This task focuses on using that setup to experiment with various processor configurations, software scheduling concepts, run performance benchmarks and analyse the results. You will work with real-time embedded software, primarily using RTEMS on LEON and RISC-V-based devices, to assess system behaviour under various configurations. The outcome will help guide future development and optimisation of multicore software for space missions.

This internship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with processors used in space missions, work with cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the development of reliable software platforms for future spacecraft.

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.

Experience in the following areas is an asset: 

• real-time embedded software development;
• familiarity with multicore architectures;
• experience with RTEMS or similar real-time operating systems;
• understanding of Time and Space Partitioning (TSP) concepts.

Preference will be given to candidates opting for a 6-month internship.