About this role
Summary: This internship investigates AI and machine learning techniques for monitoring and maintaining satellite ground station assets. The intern will develop proof-of-concept tools, evaluate AI applicability for predictive maintenance, and produce technical reports to support operational efficiency and infrastructure resi...
Internship title: AI-Assisted Health Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance for Satellite Ground Station Assets
The internship provides a unique opportunity to investigate how modern AI and machine learning techniques can support the monitoring, maintenance and resilience of operational ground segment infrastructure. Recent developments within both academia and industry demonstrate a growing interest in applying predictive maintenance concepts to satellite communications infrastructure, antenna systems and operational support environments.
The trainee will have access to operational expertise, real engineering datasets and a ground stations operations environment that cannot typically be replicated within an academic setting. The project offers the opportunity to apply and extend knowledge acquired through university studies while gaining practical experience in satellite ground segment operations, AI technologies and engineering analytics.
The outcomes of the project may support future innovations aimed at increasing operational efficiency, service continuity and infrastructure resilience across the EUMETSAT ground segment.
Duties
Following an initial familiarisation period with EUMETSAT operational services, ground segment infrastructure and monitoring systems, the trainee will:
- Review EUMETSAT ground station infrastructure, operational monitoring systems and maintenance processes.
- Develop a proof-of-concept dashboard or prototype tool for monitoring asset health and maintenance trends.
- Evaluate the applicability of AI tools and capabilities available through EUMETSAT ML Framework (MLF) for selected predictive maintenance use cases.
- Analyse the operational benefits, limitations and implementation considerations of AI-assisted predictive maintenance within EUMETSAT operations.
- Prepare technical documentation, presentations and a final report summarising findings and recommendations.
Darmstadt, Germany
The internships are open to bachelor and master students with mandatory internship requirements in relevant disciplines such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics.
The official languages of EUMETSAT are English and French. It is necessary to be able to work effectively in English.
19 November 2026
Skills and Experience
- Have the ability to work effectively in English;
- Be computer literate;
- Be intrinsically motivated and curious about the internship subject;
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively;
- Have the ability to take the initiative in researching ideas;
- Have the ability to collect, collate, conceptualize and present information clearly.
Additional advantageous requirements:
- Knowledge of one or more modern programming languages (e.g. Python, Java, C++, Go);
- Strong knowledge of state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques (including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agents), data analytics and statistical methods;
- Interest in, or basic understanding of, satellite ground station architectures and operational systems.
Employment Conditions
Length of internship: 6 months
Anticipated start date: 2027
The internship will require a non-disclosure agreement and potentially a basic background check for the intern, due to the sensitivity of the provided information.
No salary is paid to interns who are still in studies, however a daily allowance and contribution to travel / accommodation costs may be provided.
Interns may be granted a daily allowance of EUR 25 per day, relocation cost reimbursement of up to EUR 400, and accommodation cost reimbursement of up to EUR 1000 per month.
Interns are responsible for providing their own health and accident insurance and for finding their own accommodation in Darmstadt.
Consideration may also be given if the internship is not a mandatory part of curriculum, for a maximum duration of three months.
EUMETSAT is committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.
Please note that only nationals of EUMETSAT Member States may apply. The EUMETSAT Convention requires that Staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, account being taken of the international character of EUMETSAT.
About EUMETSAT
EUMETSAT is Europe’s meteorological satellite agency. Its role is to establish and operate meteorological satellites to monitor the weather and climate from space - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This information is supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organisation's Member States in Europe, as well as other users worldwide.
EUMETSAT also operates several Copernicus missions on behalf of the European Union and provide data services to the Copernicus marine and atmospheric services and their users.
As an intergovernmental European Organisation, EUMETSAT has 30 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.)