Our team and mission

Genesis is a mission in the ESA Navigation Directorate, foreseen to be launched in 2028 and is currently in the early stages of development. The Genesis satellite will combine the main geodetic techniques, i.e. VLBI (Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry), SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), and DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radio positioning Integrated by Satellite). By flying the 4 geodetic techniques on one well calibrated satellite individual biases of the techniques can be removed, and as an outcome the mission will enable the generation of an updated global model of Earth – the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, employed for everything from land surveying to measuring sea level rise – with an accuracy down to 1 mm, while tracking ground motion of just 0.1 mm per year.  This improvement, at a stroke, will have a major impact in multiple navigation and Earth science applications, including enhancing the precision of the Galileo navigation system, see ESA - Genesis for more information.

The ESA project team is small and supported by experts as required and will be working closely with Industry and the Scientific community to develop the mission in a ‘New Space’ approach as far as feasible. Both space and ground segment will be under design in the time frame of the internship, and this will generate an opportunity for the Intern to work closely with experienced experts on System level space mission design.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: System Engineering and Performance Simulations for the Genesis Mission

You will report to the Genesis System and Operations Manager within the ESA Navigation Directorate.
You will carry out tasks and grow your knowledge in the system engineering and payload/system performance domain, along with the development of the mission. In a ‘New Space’ mission framework, you will support the execution of Genesis mission engineering-related activities within the Project and industrial consortium and be part of the work during the critical design phase of the mission.

Main assignments:

• GNSS Simulation Work, including testing with HW in the loop, including but not limited to:
  • consolidation of Genesis reference scenario using available test equipment in the ESA lab (GNSS simulators and prototype receivers);
  • assessment of GNSS performance in the Genesis orbit.
• GNSS/VLBI/SLR/DORIS performance simulations and assessment:
  • review and analysis of key performance parameters of the four Genesis instruments and their combination for the achievement of the Genesis mission goals;
  • preparation of Genesis operational scenarios and exploitation of the science data.

This will be an opportunity for you to be part of the system engineering team of a small mission that is in the design phase, where several interesting topics need to be covered. You will have access to experienced team members to grow the engineering capability you gained from university, and a chance to prove that you can work independently on certain tasks.

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 have good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset.

You should demonstrate that you can work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, international team environment; also, you should be results-oriented and capable of presenting practical solutions both verbally and in writing.

It is also key that you have a good technical background from university; analytical, organisational and reporting skills; a proactive attitude to solving problems; and an interest in innovative technologies and methodologies.