Intern in the Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department - Hybrid and Resilient PNT Systems Evolution

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The team, GNSS Evolution Upstream R&D Implementation Office, is responsible for defining, consolidating and implementing innovative technologies and supporting research and development for the next generations of operational systems for the European Union (EU PNT satellite systems).

EU satellite navigation systems are undergoing a paradigm shift towards multi-layered system concepts and architectures (e.g. GEO, MEO, LEO), while also leveraging synergies with other components of the EU Space Programme (e.g. IRISS, so-called Fused PNT concepts leveraging governmental satellite communications signals for PNT) to enhance the performance and resilience of PNT solutions.

If selected for the role, you will have the opportunity to directly contribute to shaping the future evolution of EU PNT satellite systems (e.g., future generations of Galileo, Egnos, and EU LEO-PNT). This role features unique opportunities to develop your expertise and take initiative while addressing cutting-edge concepts and technologies. It will give you the opportunity to develop your expertise in System of PNT systems, apportionment of performances among layers, components and systems contributing to EU’s future System of PNT Systems concepts, and the exploration of synergies with other components of the EU Space Programme to ehance future PNT capabilities.

It will also involve cooperation with diverse teams of the Directorate, involved in PNT evolutions at various levels (system, space and ground segments, future concepts, in-orbit demonstrations and user segments technologies, synergies with satellite communication systems), as well as with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, with access to world-class laboratories for PNT and satellite communications.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

During this internship, you will contribute to a defined technical work package on hybrid, fused and resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), selected according to your academic background, available laboratory equipment and the team’s priorities. Under the guidance of your tutor, you will have the following tasks:

• reviewing the state of the art in GNSS evolution, multi-layer, fused and hybrid PNT, including relevant ESA field-trial results, and identifying performance trends and improvement opportunities, particularly for indoor, deep-urban, canopy, obstructed, jamming and spoofing conditions;
• defining or refining PNT concepts combining multiple orbital layers, GNSS, satellite communications, terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G/6G networks, synthetic aperture radar signals and complementary sensors (e.g. vision);
• developing simulations, receiver models, processing algorithms and performance-apportionment methods, exploring artificial intelligence and field-trial datasets to improve modelling accuracy and analysis of overall system performance;
• implementing and improving user-receiver algorithms that fuse GNSS with signals from telecommunication or radar satellites, wireless networks, cameras, inertial sensors and other advanced sensors;
• setting up and conducting simulations and laboratory tests using generated, recorded or live signals, then processing the measurements and assessing positioning accuracy, availability, continuity, robustness and resilience;
• comparing the investigated techniques, documenting the software, models, test configurations and results, and presenting your main findings, limitations and recommendations to the team.

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.

The following are considered assets

• a university background in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, physics or another relevant discipline;
• basic knowledge of satellite navigation, signal processing, estimation, telecommunications or sensor fusion;
• experience gained through university courses or academic projects with Python, MATLAB or a comparable scientific programming environment;
• a proactive and curious mindset, with an interest in exploring evolutions in space systems and an appetite for new concepts and technologies relevant to European space systems.

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 ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int .

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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, Cyprus, 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.