Intern in the ExPeRT Team

Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes.

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

The ExPeRT team is at the forefront of innovation in the directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration. We perform high-TRL technology development activities and advanced system studies up to phase B1. We are diverse team advancing exploration of LEO, Moon, and Mars in line with the directorate’s Terrae Novae programme.

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Power and Energy for Lunar Architectures

Integration of nuclear power solution in lunar architectures: Given the objective of existing international architectures, nuclear power systems will be required to survive and operate in the lunar night. Starting with high-TRL radioisotope system for survival of robotic missions such as the first Argonaut mission all the way to conceptual nuclear fission surface power for in-situ resource utilization and nuclear propulsion for sustainable transportation you will be exposed to the challenges and dynamics of high-performance power and energy systems within the lunar exploration architecture.

2) Topic 2: Utilisation of Argonaut for solar power generation services

Utilisation of Argonaut for solar power generation services: the Moon FST will advance a pre-phase A study of the European Charging Station for the Moon (ECSM). Your challenge will be to support the team’s iterations with NASA’s technology directorate in an effort to scope out a commercial or institutional service offer to NASA in the form of solar energy production, storage, and provision during lunar day and night.

3) Topic 3: Power and energy for lunar rovers

Power and energy for lunar rovers: the Moon FST will advance a pre-phase A study of the European Moon Rover System, a conceptual mobility solution for European – led scientific exploration of the Moon. Also, the Moon FST contributes to the potential mission of Argonaut to deliver an international partner’s rover to the lunar surface in the frame of the Argonaut – 1 mission. In both cases, the operation of a mobility solution during lunar night is a key requirement for sustainable lunar exploration. Your challenge will be to support the team in the trading off various solutions in a trade-space defined by European industry or international partners.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

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 master’s 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.

Additional Requirements:

1) Topic 1:

• Requirements management
• Space power and thermal subsystem design
• Lunar and space environment
• Nuclear technology

  2) Topic 2:

  • Requirements management
  • Space power and thermal subsystem design
  • Lunar and space environment

    3) Topic 3:

    • Requirements management
    • Space power and thermal subsystem design
    • Lunar and space environment

      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 Establishment’s 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).