Our team and mission

The Materials, Environments and Contamination Control Section (TEC-MSE) provides expert engineering support to ESA projects, conducts technology research, develops and implements laboratory testing activities focusing on:

• multi-faceted characterisation of materials (thermal, optical, chemical and physical properties evaluation) and associated processes;
• space environment effects and compatibility of materials (including atomic oxygen, particle irradiation, charging, UV exposure, and synergistic degradation mechanisms);
• cleanliness and contamination control (including particulate and molecular contamination, outgassing, UV- and laser-induced contamination, planetary dust, gas lines purity);
• flight safety related assessments (including habitable and pressurised environments, materials off-gassing, toxicity).
  

TEC-MSE maintains a strong focus on space hardware qualification and the development of advanced laboratory capabilities, innovative environmental testing facilities, and non-standard test methods. 

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Spacecraft materials must perform reliably in all mission environments, and they are often exposed to harsh environments with temperatures from cryogenic conditions up to several hundred degrees Celsius. During this internship, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of new test methodologies related to the thermal properties of adhesives and potting materials, using common thermal analysis techniques like Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and rheometry.

Specific topics to investigate include: 

• characterisation of novel materials for potting applications;
• creation and population of a materials database for key engineering properties of adhesives for space applications;
• understanding the relation between mechanical characterisation using DMA and standard tensile testing.

Your work will involve:

• literature research on common relevant materials and familiarisation with existing techniques and standards;
• familiarisation with the TEC-MSE laboratory and instruments;
• implementation of experimental test campaigns;
• data analysis, uncertainty evaluation and documentation of results.

You will gain experience working in an international team of experts with varied backgrounds and you will use the world leading experimental facilities of the ESA/ESTEC Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory.

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 in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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.

Knowledge and background in materials, physics and chemistry or vacuum technologies will be an asset. The internship will have a significant experimental content, and so strong motivation to work in a laboratory environment is required.