Avionics Equipment Simulators Intern

📍 Toulouse · ⏱ 6 months · 📅 Starting February 2027

About Exotrail 🚀

Space is becoming more strategic and competitive than ever. Tomorrow’s space leaders will not simply launch satellites into orbit, they will be able to move them, reposition them, extend their lifetime, and maximize their performance in space.

Since 2017, Exotrail has been developing and operating cutting-edge in-space mobility solutions for commercial, institutional, and defense customers. From our high-performance propulsion system spaceware™ to our orbital transfer vehicle spacevan™, we enable satellites to go farther, stay operational longer, and achieve more.

Today, more than 200 Exotrailers across Massy and Toulouse are working together to make space operations more efficient and sustainable.

Backed by over €75 million in funding, we are pursuing a clear mission:

Making space a sustainable frontier for future generations. 🚀

Job Description

At Exotrail, we are developing spacevan GEO, our orbital transfer vehicle for geostationary missions. To verify and validate its avionics functional perimeter, the IOS Avionics team needs equipment simulators: lightweight stand-ins for onboard units that reproduce their interfaces and protocols, so flight software and avionics can be tested on the bench without the real hardware.

Supervised by an avionics engineer and working within the team, you will take part in designing and developing these simulators and their test tooling. You will start with a first simple equipment model, then progressively take on more complex interfaces, integration on the test bench, and, depending on your progress, embedded development to integrate these equipment into the flight software.

What you'll do

• Develop equipment simulators in Python, C or C++ , running on Raspberry Pi or microcontrollers (STM32, SAM3X…)
• Implement communication links such as UART, RS-422/RS-485, Ethernet (TCP/UDP), CAN, SPI/I2C, as well as software-only simulators when no physical link is needed
• Write automated Python tests that exercise the avionics interfaces and support verification and validation activities
• Set up and maintain test benches: hardware wiring, network configuration , tooling and integration into the team's workflow
• Contribute to embedded flight software development to integrate equipment drivers and interfaces , using your simulators to test them
• Document your work and share it with the team

What we're looking for

• Final-year student (Master's or engineering school) in embedded systems, computer science or a related field
• Solid skills in C/C++ and Python
• Hands-on embedded development experience ( microcontrollers and/or embedded Linux )
• understanding of hardware/software interactions: serial links, buses, signals, basic networking
• Experience with Git and teamwork
• Working level French, English is a plus

Bonus skills

• Knowledge of ground segment/space concepts (TM/TC, CCSDS, ECSS)
• Test automation (pytest) and CI/CD
• Use of lab equipment (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, power supplies)
• A genuine interest in the space domain and the motivation to build a career in this industry

What we value

• Versatility and curiosity: you'll learn across many areas of satellite avionics, from flight software and ground segment to testing and hardware
• Autonomy, rigor and a pragmatic mindset
• eam spirit and clear communication within an agile team

Why Join Exotrail?

• Contribute to technology that truly operates in space.
• Work on complete systems, from embedded software development to in-orbit operations.
• Collaborate with passionate experts across systems, avionics, software, propulsion, and space operations.
• Take part in innovative projects within a rapidly growing international company.
• Make a direct impact on the space missions and technologies of tomorrow.

Working Environment

• 📍 Offices located in the heart of Toulouse.
• ☕ Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh fruit available on site.

Work-Life Balance

• 🎉 Regular team events and afterworks.
• 💆 On-site osteopathy sessions organized at both locations.

1. HR Interview

Discussion about your background, motivations, and career aspirations.

2. Tutor Interview

Conversation focused on the role, team challenges, and your professional experience.