Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
Our team is developing ground segment software related to space communication protocols and ESA’s network of ground stations. We are very active in research and development and contribute to global standardization activities related to space communication. We collaborate with other space agencies, European Industry and Academia and support world-wide initiatives to advance towards a Solar System Internet.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website:
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship : Solar System Internet – Development and Demonstration
Space communication is often characterised by long round-trip delays and less reliable communication links. Communication links are typically planned in advance and are only available for limited time. Data rates on the individual links may vary between a few Kbit/s to Gbit/s and no full end-to-end paths between two communication entities may ever exist. To overcome these challenges, Delay or Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) communication architectures have been proposed and related communication protocols have been standardised for the space domain (Bundle Protocol, Licklider Transmission Protocol). These protocols are being implemented by ESA, simulated, and validated for various scenarios, including Earth Observation and Lunar or Mars exploration scenarios.
During the internship, as an intern, you will contribute to the following tasks:
* implementation, test and validation of communication protocol software.
* deployment and validation of prototypic operational systems on ground to prepare DTN communication experiments and demonstrations.
* support the execution of DTN experiments and demonstrations with external partners (space agencies, commercial entities, academia).
* depending on the applicants’ interest, further work could be performed in areas currently under active development and standardisation, such as hybrid BP-IP networks, DTN video streaming, or mission operations for DTN-enabled spacecraft.
Through this internship, you will gain substantial experience in ground segment software development at ESA, obtain a comprehensive understanding of space communication systems, and engage with advanced technologies for upcoming networked space communications aimed at establishing a Solar System Internet.
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.
Experience with software development in Java or C++ on Linux is required. Knowledge and background in terrestrial networking (IP, TCP, UDP) or space communication protocols is 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.
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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).