Intern in the Mission Operations Department, Python Framework Development for Spacecraft Operations
Darmstadt
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Darmstadt
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Outer space and satellite technology
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Mission Operations Department, Python Framework Development for Spacecraft Operations
Darmstadt, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
BIOMASS is the 7th Earth Explorer mission of ESA and the youngest member in the family of Earth Explorer missions, launched in April 2025. Carrying a novel P-band synthetic aperture radar, the Biomass mission is designed to deliver crucial information about the state of our forests and how they are changing.
The mission is operated by the Biomass Flight Control Team from the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany. The team works closely with ground segment and science interfaces to ensure that the mission delivers highquality data to the scientific community. During the routine operation phase of the mission, we continuously improve tools and processes that make operations safer, faster and more efficient, balancing reliability and innovation, while maintaining both space and ground segment. You would join an international, collaborative and supportive team and gain direct exposure to real spacecraft operations in a unique control centre environment.
For information on the mission and mission’s objectives please visit: https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Biomass/
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Internship topic: Development of Python Frameworks in support of Spacecraft Operations
You will design and implement Python scripts, tools and frameworks that support routine spacecraft operations and automate recurring tasks. Your work will be used by the flight control team in a live mission environment and will contribute directly to safer and more efficient operations. This will include automatic generation of recurring operational reports, from data extraction, processing, validation, to presentation. Depending on the candidate’s profile, the scope can be extended to automation of daily checks to help operators. The results should be packaged in a reusable Python library with helpful documentation and examples and shared with the team through short training sessions.
You will learn about the control system, tools, and interfaces used at ESOC and gain hands-on experience in how satellite operations are planned and carried out during routine activities, with direct exposure to the Flight Control Team and the control room environment.
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.
For this position you should have:
- strong Python skills from a computer science or engineering background, with interest in writing clear, tested and welldocumented code.
- curiosity about space systems and the motivation to support realworld operations through practical software.
- a collaborative mindset and readiness to iterate based on user feedback.
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.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.