Intern in the Systems Department - Development of PVT Algorithms for Lunar Users - 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:

• Conduct research and develop innovative algorithms for Position, Velocity and Time (PVT) estimation in the lunar environment using measurements from a single Moonlight navigation satellite
• Develop, implement and validate the PVT algorithm(s) through simulation and performance assessment activities
• Perform sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of key error sources, including satellite orbit determination and timing synchronisation (ODTS) and receiver clock errors
• Investigate and analyse the use of additional information sources available in the lunar environment, such as Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and communication signals from the ESA Pathfinder satellite, to enhance navig…
• Evaluate the algorithm performance under different lunar operational scenarios, including the initial Moonlight deployment phase when only a single navigation satellite may be available

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 the entire duration of the internship
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Good knowledge of MATLAB, Python or other related programming languages, Familiarity with Satellite based navigation concepts such as Earth GNSS

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Working arrangements: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE), Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section.

Position details

Reference

1452888133

Last Verified

6 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Systems Department - Development of PVT Algorithms for Lunar Users at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452888133.

Job Requisition ID:21062

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Technology, Engineering and Quality

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE) is responsible for supporting projects for the Engineering of E2E systems, the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration/verification activities (SIV), and service preparation. To serve these functions, the Head of the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division defines and executes the associated technology developments and studies, as well as the verification and validation laboratory facilities, and supports the preparation of the relevant engineering standards.

The E2E Systems Division consists of five sections and associated laboratory facilities:

- Navigation Systems Definition Section; - Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section; - Systems Security Engineering Section; - Telecommunication Systems and Techniques Section; - E2E System Comms Section.

The role will be within the Navigation Systems Implementation and Validation Section, which provides expert advice and engineering support to ESA projects, programmes, and studies in the fields of radio navigation and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

Moonlight is one of ESA's ongoing programmes, under which a Lunar Communications and Navigation System (LCNS) constellation is being developed to provide communication and navigation services for lunar environment.

The role includes advanced lunar navigation algorithms development capable of estimating a user's Position, Velocity, and Time (PVT) using measurements from a single navigation satellite orbiting the Moon. The resulting capability will support the provision of navigation services during the initial deployment phase of the Moonlight system, when only a single navigation satellite may be available before the full constellation is established.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Advanced lunar navigation algorithms development capable of estimating PVT using measurements from a single navigation satellite orbiting the Moon.

Your tasks will include:

- conducting research and developing innovative algorithm(s) for Position, Velocity and Time (PVT) estimation in the lunar environment using measurements (i.e. doppler and code) from a single Moonlight navigation satellite; - developing, implementing and validating the PVT algorithm(s) through simulation and performance assessment activities; - performing sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of key error sources, including satellite orbit determination and timing synchronisation (ODTS) and receiver clock errors; - investigating and analysing the use of additional information sources available in the lunar environment, such as Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and communication signals from the ESA Pathfinder satellite, to enhance navigation performance; - evaluating the algorithm performance under different lunar operational scenarios, including the initial Moonlight deployment phase when only a single navigation satellite may be available.

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 also have:

- good knowledge of MATLAB, Python or other related programming languages; - familiarity with Satellite based navigation concepts such as Earth GNSS.

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.