Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
Location Noordwijk
Our team and mission
This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) - Noordwijk, Netherlands
Under the direct authority of the Electrical Department, the Data Systems and Microelectronics Division is responsible for:
- On-board computer and data handling for space systems, including hardware and software development and engineering of the computer, data management, data communication and data storage systems;
- On-board payload data processing systems, including high speed networks, high-end digital signal processors and image processing computers;
- The development of on-board autonomous and adaptive systems;
- On-board communication, including architecture, service and protocol definition, future communication infrastructure, standardisation within ECSS and CCSDS and end-to-end validation of data systems, services and protocols;
- Microelectronic devices and systems used both on-board and on the ground, including development of radiation hard systems by design techniques;
- Monitoring industry and technology trends and advanced concepts (e.g. micro-nano, deepsub- micron and wide gap band technology);
among others.
The Data Systems and Microelectronics Division activities also encompass system trade-offs and detailed assessment of the related technologies, as well as bread-boarding and testing in the associated laboratory facilities.
For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic: Assessment of Passive EEE Component Assembly for High Reliability Space Applications
EEE Components represent the backbone of all electronic equipment flown on ESA missions. Considerable efforts are excreted to ensure the suitability of EEE Components for the harsh launch and space environment they encounter during their lifetime. A number of standards are developed to harmonise the qualification process of various EEE Components families (e.g. active and passives). This activity concerns all important passive EEE Component family.
Based on recent exciting findings and developments this internship aims at investigating interaction between PCB assembly and passive components (initially capacitors). The investigation focuses on potential failure mechanisms of passive components during assembly. This activity presents a unique opportunity to gain insight into space related processes to develop high reliability technologies utilized in ESA spacecraft. The hands-on nature of this activity is inherent to the work performed. As an intern, you will be expected to carry out all tasks from understanding the issue at hand, developing test plans, conducting tests and culminating with final reporting.
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You will be expected to implement a turn-key test program to completion in close collaboration with a tutor who is an ESA EEE Passive Component expert.
This includes overseeing assembly of printed circuit board with
- Wires soldered directly to tantalum capacitor terminations
- Soldered and reworked flexible ceramic capacitors
The test activities are planned performed in the state-of-the-art ESA Materials & Electrical Components Laboratory and include vibration, temperature cycling, humidity, electrical test, inspections (visual and radiographic including Computed Tomography scans) and microsections. For more information on the ESA Materials & Electrical Components Laboratory please visit this website.
The outcome of the activity is considered important and is expected to provide highly valuable input to potentially update of relevant standard for high reliability assembly.
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingEducation
You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at masterโs level in a technical or scientific discipline.
Additional requirements
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
If you require support with your application due to a disability, please email contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Internships can take place remotely, on-site or partially on-site depending on the pandemic situation, and in line with the relevant Establishmentโs policy (e.g. possible Green Pass requirement) applicable at the time of starting the internship.
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).