Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - ESTRACK Antenna Performance

Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - ESTRACK Antenna Performance

Job Requisition ID: 21147

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Operations

Workplace:

Darmstadt, DE

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

The Ground-Based Communication and Tracking Assets Section at the European Space Operation Centre is in charge of the ground station antennas used to transmit telecommands to the satellites operated by the centre and receive their telemetry and payload data, while maintaining stable tracking.

In our team we take care of the design, procurement, maintenance and evolution of those antennas and their infrastructure. Our expertise spans from radio-frequency to mechanical and servo engineering, and from power generation and distribution to air conditioning systems.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Electromagnetic simulations, and antenna design analyses provide the reference expectations for the performance of a deep-space ground station antenna system. However, the operational verification of antenna performance requires the ability to assess system noise temperature and antenna temperature under real environmental and operational conditions. Observations of astronomical radio sources, together with environmental and site-specific measurements, provide a unique and powerful means to evaluate the end-to-end performance of deep-space antenna systems, enabling the characterisation of radio-frequency, environmental, geometric, and operational effects directly from observational data.

The main objective of the internship is to develop a methodology and software framework for determining the performance of ESTRACK deep-space antennas for any pointing direction, frequency band, and environmental condition, and to identify measurable indicators that describe the overall receiving performance of the antenna system.

The activities will address topics such as:

• Antenna temperature and system noise temperature modelling;
• characterisation of environmental noise contributions from the antenna surroundings;
• analysis of radio-frequency interference and site-dependent noise sources;
• development and refinement of antenna radiation pattern models at deep-space communication frequencies.
• investigation of spillover, blockage, scattering, and ground noise effects;
• assessment of the impact of antenna pointing direction on receiving performance;
• integration of antenna structural characteristics and site geometry into performance models;
• evaluation of atmospheric and environmental effects on system noise temperature;
• comparison between predicted and measured antenna performance;
• definition of performance indicators suitable for operational assessment of deep-space antenna systems;
• investigation of future frequency-band implementations and their impact on existing antenna infrastructures.

As an intern, your tasks will include:

• Become familiar with ground-station antenna systems and simulation tools;
• define the software requirements for the specific antenna temperature tool;
• update and improve the available radio-frequency antenna models at the relevant frequencies;
• analyse and characterise the radio-frequency environments at existing and future deep-space antenna sites and their effects on antenna system performance;
• combine the antenna models with environmental and pointing conditions to determine system performance;
• propose upgraded layouts to accommodate new frequency bands in existing antennas;
• compare model predictions with measurement data and operational performance observations;
• prepare technical documentation and present the results.

This internship offers practical experience at the intersection of deep-space communications, antenna engineering, radio-frequency system analysis, scientific computing, and ground-station performance verification, contributing to the characterisation and enhancement of ESA's ESTRACK deep-space antenna infrastructure under real operational conditions.

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

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 RF and electromagnetics is an asset.

Knowledge of programming tools such as Python is an asset.

Knowledge of antenna simulation tools such as GRASP is an asset.

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 [email protected].

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).

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