Our team and mission

The End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE) is responsible to support projects for the Engineering of E2E systems the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration/verification activities (SIV), and service preparation. To serve these functions, the Head of the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division defines and executes the associated technology developments and studies, as well as the verification and validation laboratory facilities, and support the preparation of the relevant engineering standards.

TEC-SE supports and develops the following engineering competences:

• E2E generic engineering tools, processes and competences;
• All aspects of Security engineering at System level, including cyber security, crypto, hardware and software security, link and data protection, frameworks, processes, vulnerability assessment, countermeasures at system, element and application levels including AI and Quantum;
• Telecommunication and Connectivity systems and techniques;
• Radio Navigation and PNT Systems and techniques, Formation Flying and RF metrology;
• E2E System Comms for Telemetry, Telecommand and Payload Data Dissemination, Tracking, Ranging, Radio Science and Time Transfer functions.

The responsibilities include the definition of concepts and algorithm, System/Segment/Payload-System architecture and trade-offs, performance and budgets analysis, interfaces and data flows, design and processing of signal in space, networks and protocols for the Ground to Space, Space to Space links, for RF and Optical systems.

The System Security Section (TEC-SES) is responsible for the end-to-end system security engineering of Agency’s missions, projects, and activities, in space, ground, user segments and communication links, at system, subsystem, element and equipment level. It covers the missions from study phase to definition of requirements, design, development, security integration / verification, and security service preparation, across the full stack, from physical to application layer. 
To serve these functions, the System Security Section defines and executes the associated technology research and developments (R&D) and studies, as well as the required security engineering standards.
Using security laboratory facilities, the System Security Section performs vulnerability assessments at all levels of its responsibility, proposing detection methods, mitigation and  protection measures, using security assessment tools and equipment.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Assessment of Hardware Security Implementations

At European Space Agency we are working on cutting-edge products which necessitate a thorough assessment and verification of the security offered by their hardware implementations (including, but not limited to, user terminals of satellite systems, devices with incorporated security functions, etc.). 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated intern to join the System Security Section to work on hardware security assessments. Specifically, you will be trained on a state-of-the-art hardware security test bench, capable of performing side channel attacks, power glitches, and ElectroMagnetic injections in order to work on the security assessment of:  

• Firmware implementations, including the examination of the conformance of software implementations against defined security standards;
• Hardware implementations, covering the testing and verification against hardware security standards for processors, and identification of associated hardware mitigations.

You will also be given the chance to present your work and acquired experience internally (and not only) to various teams, demonstrating your skillset, your findings and raising awareness. 

At the end of your internship, you will have learnt to perform hardware security assessments using sophisticated test benches. 

If you are passionate about hardware security and relevant security standards, and enjoy working on sophisticated testing benches, this internship will be a perfect fit for you.

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: 

• good interpersonal and communication skills;
• ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team;
• a cyber security background / training or education, including background on applied cryptography. 

Knowledge of hardware security is a plus.