Intern in the Flight Programmes Department

Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Space Transportation.

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

Location

Under the direct authority D/STS, the Head of the Space Transportation Flight Programmes is responsible in particular for: preparing and implementing the Space Transportation Flight Programmes; leading the development activities related to Ariane, Vega and Space Rider and  managing the exploitation accompaniment of the related flight programmes, except  those entrusted to other departments; complementing the Ariane 6 development and implementing the Ariane 6  Competitiveness improvement programme, preparing all elements related to the Ariane 5/6 transition, implementing Prometheus as from the Ariane 6 Maiden Flight onwards and implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 exploitation; complementing the Vega C development, implementing the Vega C Competitiveness improvement programme and the Vega Evolution preparatory activities, implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Vega and Vega C transition and exploitation; completing the development of the P120C and preparing and implementing activities related to solid propulsion of the products and systems described above; establishing the Launch System Master Files resulting from the Ariane 6 and Vega C developments; among other tasks. 

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Modelling and simulation of M10 engine

This internship is related to the development and validation of engineering models of the M10 upper stage engine. As an intern, you will work using state of the art of modelling tools to develop a mathematical model of the aforementioned engine. The models will be then validated using available test results.

2) Topic 2: Modelling and simulation of HTE engine

This internship is related to the development and validation of engineering models of the High Thrust Engine (HTE) demonstrator and relative development models. As an intern, you will work using state of the art of modelling tools to develop a mathematical model of the aforementioned engine. The models will be then validated using available test results.

3) Topic 3: Space Rider propulsion system modelling

The Space Rider is a reusable integrated space transportation system, which will be launched on VEGA-C. It will serve multiple missions, granting access and return to and from low earth orbit and enabling in-orbit payload operations, uncrewed missions, and institutional applications. The aim of the current activity is to focus on one of the propulsion systems of the two modules to better characterize their steady and unsteady behavior, investigate the interactions between the propulsion subsystem and the Space Rider system and explore the benefit that potential modifications could bring to the subsystem and the spacecraft as a whole. The activity will be spread over the course of minimum four months, during which you will have the time to familiarize with the modelling tools, perform the analyses, post-process the data and issue the final report. 

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

1) Topic 1: The following additional background is considered as an asset:

• Record of working in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience with propulsion subsystem analysis and design
• Experience with CFD software
• Experience of scientific coding language (Matlab. Fortran) and propulsion analysis software (CEA, EcosimPro)
• Familiarity with propulsion con-ops for launchers

2) Topic 2: The following additional background is considered as an asset:

• Record of working in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience with propulsion subsystem analysis and design
• Experience with CFD software
• Experience of scientific coding language (Matlab. Fortran) and propulsion analysis software (CEA, EcosimPro)
• Familiarity with propulsion con-ops for launchers

3) Topic 3: The following additional background is considered as an asset:

• Record of working in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience with propulsion subsystem analysis and design
• Experience with CFD software
• Experience of scientific coding language (Matlab. Fortran) and propulsion analysis software (CEA, EcosimPro)
• Familiarity with propulsion con-ops for satellites

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

If you require support with your application due to a disability, please email [email protected] .

Internships can take place remotely, on-site or partially on-site depending on the pandemic situation, and in line with the relevant Establishment’s policy (e.g. possible Green Pass requirement) applicable at the time of starting the internship.

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).