EsaAbout this role
Summary: Join the Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department to develop and evaluate artificial intelligence applications for software validation and engineering efficiency. This internship offers hands-on experience in secure software development and AI integration within a professional engineering environment.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
Galileo is the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), providing highly accurate and autonomous Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services under civilian control. It includes multiple services such as the classic Open Service, High Accuracy Service, Search and Rescue Service and new development such as the Emergency Warning Satellite System, Return Link Service, and the Timing Service Message. The programme is overseen by the European Commission, with ESA responsible for development, deployment, and system design.
The Galileo ground segment is the network of facilities and systems on Earth that enable the operation, control, and maintenance of the satellite constellation and its services. It includes the mission control infrastructure responsible for managing satellite operations and ensuring precise orbit and timing determination, as well as the system that processes navigation signals and generates data for user positioning. The ground segment also comprises a global network of sensor stations that continuously monitor the signals transmitted by the satellites, uplink stations that send updated navigation data and commands to the spacecraft, and additional facilities that provide security, system integrity, and service performance monitoring. Together, these elements ensure the reliability, accuracy, and availability of Galileo services worldwide.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
You will join an engineering team working at the heart of one of Europe's most advanced satellite navigation ground infrastructures.
As an intern, you will contribute to the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies within a real engineering environment. You will investigate how artificial intelligence can improve software validation activities, enhance engineering efficiency and support better decision-making across the team.
As an intern, you will have the following tasks:
- developing artificial intelligence applications to support the review of software deliveries, including software quality assessment, source code analysis and security checks;
- evaluating emerging artificial intelligence models, tools and techniques to determine their suitability and performance;
- identifying opportunities to improve ways of working through intelligent assistants and autonomous software agents, and proposing innovative approaches to increase team productivity.
During your internship, you will gain practical experience in:
- applying artificial intelligence technologies in a professional engineering environment;
- secure software development and deployment practices;
- evaluating emerging artificial intelligence models and technologies;
- communicating technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies while contributing to the future adoption of artificial intelligence in a large-scale operational environment. You will collaborate with experienced engineers, gain exposure to real-world challenges and help shape innovative ways of working through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to [ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/ESA_Competency_Framework.pdf)
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.
Knowledge and background in software engineering and agentic artificial intelligence are assets.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).