Intern in the Mission Operations Department, Copernicus Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Mission
Darmstadt
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Darmstadt
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Legal - International Law
- Human Rights
- Environment
- Meteorology, Geology and Geography
- Renewable Energy sector
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Climate Change
- Peace and Development
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Mission Operations Department, Copernicus Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Mission
Darmstadt, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
The European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) is currently operating several of the first generation of Sentinel missions. Six additional missions, also known as the Sentinel Expansion missions, are currently being developed and will be added to the fleet of operational Sentinel missions in the coming years. One of these is CO2M, the Copernicus Carbon Dioxide Monitoring mission, which focuses on measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane emissions from human activity. Each CO2M satellite will spend the first six months of its operational “life” under the control of ESOC, while the subsequent routine operations will then be performed by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
CO2M operations from ESOC will be performed by the CO2M Flight Control Team who are now preparing the procedures, tools and systems to do so. You would join an international, collaborative and supportive team and gain insight into real spacecraft operations in a unique control centre environment.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Internship Topic: Supporting operations preparations activities for CO2M
You will be working with the CO2M Flight Control Team during the operations preparation phase which involves setting up the tools and systems which will be used to operate the spacecraft after launch. The exact project(s) for this internship will be determined based on your skills, interests, and the mission needs at the time of the internship. For example, you may be involved in configuring and testing new software products designed for the mission, or in developing small, self-contained helper tools to support operations. Another key area of focus could be writing scripts that integrate with existing tools by making use of API access methods.
A focus on creating readable, well-tested, and well documented code is essential, as well as the readiness to iterate based on user feedback.
You will learn about the ground segment systems, tools, and interfaces used at ESOC and gain hands-on experience in how satellite operations are being prepared, 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.
A background in Computer Science, Data Science, or experience with scripting languages (e.g. Python), web-based applications, and integration with APIs and existing data sources and systems would be an asset.
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.