Intern in the Systems Department - End-to-End Systems Communications Section - 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:

• Assess and perform end-to-end analysis of space communications links, including Tracking Telemetry and Command (TT&C) links and Payload Data Transmission (PDT) links
• Assess techniques for satellite communication links
• Perform simulations
• Upgrade existing simulators in Python or other programming languages
• Support development and testing of Software Defined Radio prototyping platform for TT&C/PDT and other space communication applications
• Participate as Communications expert team member in early design studies of future space missions
• Assess modulation, coding, acquisition and tracking techniques for satellite communication links

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
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Good knowledge of MATLAB, Python or other related programming languages, Familiarity with satellite communications

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Working arrangements: On-site at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE), Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1452888433

Last Verified

2 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Systems Department - End-to-End Systems Communications Section at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452888433.

Job Requisition ID:21063

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.

TEC-SE supports and develops the following engineering competences:

- E2E generic engineering tools, processes and competences; - All aspects of Security engineering at System level, including cyber security, crypto, hardware and software security, link and data protection, frameworks, processes, vulnerability assessment, countermeasures at system, element and application levels including AI and Quantum; - Telecommunication and connectivity systems and techniques; - Radio Navigation and PNT Systems and techniques, Formation Flying and RF metrology; - E2E System Comms for Telemetry, Telecommand and Payload Data Dissemination, Tracking, Ranging, Radio Science and Time Transfer functions.

The responsibilities include the definition of concepts and algorithms, System/Segment/Payload-System architecture and trade-offs, performance and budgets analysis, interfaces and data flows, design and processing of signal in space, networks and protocols for the Ground to Space, Space to Space links, for RF and Optical systems.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Assessment and End-to-End Analysis of Space Communications links, including Tracking Telemetry and Command (TT&C) links for Science and Exploration missions up to Deep Space, and/or Payload Data Transmission (PDT) Links for Earth Observation missions, as well as other lunar and planetary space communication links.

Your tasks will include:

- assessing techniques; - performing simulations; - upgrading existing simulators in Python or other programming languages; - supporting the development and testing of Software Defined Radio prototyping platform for TT&C/PDT and other space communication applications (possibly using GNU radio).

The analysis and simulation tasks are covering assessment of modulation, coding, acquisition and tracking techniques for satellite communication links.

Participation as Communications expert team member in early design studies of future space missions from Earth Orbiting to Deep Space.

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; - some familiarity with satellite communications.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 2 November 2026, 5 days 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 2 November 2026 (5 days ago).

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.