Intern in the RNC Projects Department - Genesis Project Team - European Space Agency (Noordwijk)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• GNSS simulation activities, including testing with hardware-in-the-loop
• Consolidation of the Genesis reference scenario using available test equipment in the ESA lab (GNSS simulators and prototype receivers)
• Assessment of GNSS performance in the Genesis orbit
• GNSS/VLBI/SLR/DORIS performance simulations and assessment
• Review and analysis of key performance parameters of the four Genesis instruments and their combination
• Preparation of Genesis operational scenarios and exploitation of scientific data
• Support execution of Genesis mission engineering-related activities within the Project and industrial consortium

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master's level course; must be able to prove enrollment at university for entire duration of internship
• Languages: English (good kn…), French (good kn…)
• Key skills: Ability to work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, international team environment, Results-oriented approach, Ability to present practical solutions verbally and in writing, Good technical background from university, Analytical skills, Organisational skills, Reporting skills, Proactive approach to problem-solving, Interest in innovative technologies and methodologies, Good interpersonal and communication skills

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Not specified.

Working arrangements: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1452922833

Last Verified

6 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the RNC Projects Department - Genesis Project Team at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452922833.

Job Requisition ID:20999

Date Posted:1 November 2026

Closing Date:30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

Genesis is a mission in the ESA Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity Directorate, planned for launch in 2029 and currently under development. The Genesis satellite will combine the main geodetic techniques, namely VLBI (Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry), SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), and DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite). By flying the four geodetic techniques a single well-calibrated satellite, individual biases of the techniques can be removed. As a result, the mission will enable the generation of an updated global model of Earth – the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, employed for everything from land surveying to measuring sea-level rise, with an accuracy down to 1 mm, while tracking ground motion of just 0.1 mm per year. This improvement will have a major impact on multiple navigation and Earth science applications, including enhancing the precision of the Galileo navigation system. See ESA - Genesis for more information.

The ESA project team is small and supported by experts as required and will be working closely with industry and the scientific community to develop the mission in a ‘New Space’ approach wherever feasible. Both the space and ground segments will be under design during the internship, providing an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of system-level space mission design alongside seasoned experts.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Reporting to the Genesis System and Operations Manager, you will carry out tasks and grow your knowledge in the system engineering and payload/system performance domain, while supporting the development of the mission. In a ‘New Space’ mission framework, you will support the execution of Genesis mission engineering-related activities within the Project and industrial consortium and be part of the work during the critical design phase of the mission.

As an intern, you will have the following tasks:

- GNSS Simulation activities, including testing with hardware-in-the-loop, including but not limited to: - consolidation of the Genesis reference scenario using available test equipment in the ESA lab (GNSS simulators and prototype receivers); - assessment of GNSS performance in the Genesis orbit.

- GNSS/VLBI/SLR/DORIS performance simulations and assessment: - review and analysis of key performance parameters of the four Genesis instruments and their combination to achieve the Genesis mission goals; - preparation of Genesis operational scenarios and exploitation of scientific data.

This will be an opportunity to be part of the system engineering team of a small mission currently in its design phase, where several interesting topics need to be addressed. You will have access access to experienced team members who will support the further development of the engineering skills acquired at university, while providing opportunities to demonstrate your ability to independently handle selected tasks.

Behavioural competencies

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.

You should be able to demonstrate your ability to work autonomously, effectively and cooperatively in a diverse, international team environment. You should also be results-oriented and capable of presenting practical solutions both verbally and in writing.

You should have a good technical background from university, together with analytical, organisational and reporting skills. You should also have a proactive approach to problem-solving and an interest in innovative technologies and methodologies.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work effectively in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience working in international teams would be considered an asset.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 6 November 2026, 1 day ago.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 21 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 November 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Noordwijk see our Noordwijk location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.