Intern in the Mission Operations Department - ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section

Intern in the Mission Operations Department - ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section

Job Requisition ID: 21090

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

ESA’s tracking station network (ESTRACK) is a global system of ground stations providing the vital link between spacecraft and the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, is a critical part of Europe’s space infrastructure, supporting some of the Agency’s most ambitious missions in science, exploration and space safety. From spacecraft orbiting Earth and travelling to the Lagrange points, to missions exploring the Solar System, studying the Sun or contributing to planetary defence, ESTRACK provides the essential ground infrastructure that enables these missions to operate.

The ESTRACK network brings together antennas located around the globe, communication systems, control and monitoring equipment, IT infrastructure and a wide range of supporting facilities, all working together to provide reliable and continuous services to spacecraft and mission operations.

Our teams are responsible for ensuring that this complex infrastructure remains safe, reliable and available 24/7. This includes operating and maintaining ground station systems, managing assets and configurations, supporting upgrades and obsolescence activities, and continuously improving processes, technologies and ways of working across the network.

Beyond supporting individual missions, ESTRACK contributes to Europe’s autonomy, resilience and ability to operate as a leading space power. Through cross-support agreements with international partners, the network also strengthens international cooperation, while enabling more efficient and sustainable space operations.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will report to the Head of the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section in the Ground Facilities Operations Division. This Section is responsible for the maintenance and operational management of the ESA Tracking Network (ESTRACK).

The ESA Link Budget Tool is the reference tool of the European Space Operations Centre for the characterisation of the radio-frequency communication link between spacecraft and ground antenna.

You will contribute to the continuous development, support, and optimisation of the ESA Link Budget Tool in a collaborative, user-focused environment.

This role will also focus on assessing the environmental impact of ground station operations in line with the ESA Green Agenda initiatives.

You will focus particularly on analysing data in terms of carbon footprint and providing concrete metrics and insights to guide future actions.

Key Responsibilities:

Link Budget Tool: Expand the Link Budget Tool catalogue for Near-Earth missions and ground stations

With the growing number and diversity of missions supported by ESA, you will contribute to expanding the Link Budget Tool’s mission and ground-station catalogues. You will have the opportunity to analyse new requirements, perform testing, and further enhance the tool’s capabilities to support the Agency’s evolving operational needs.

Link Budget Tool: Analyse capacity and optimise ESTRACK scheduling

You will contribute to analysing ground-station capacity and workload, helping to identify opportunities to improve the allocation and utilisation of ESTRACK resources across missions. You will support studies and development activities aimed at integrating the Link Budget Tool with the ground-station scheduling system, which allocates ESTRACK ground-station coverage to supported space missions. This activity will involve close interaction with ground-station and mission operations teams, providing a unique opportunity to understand and contribute to the end-to-end process of planning spacecraft communications.

Green ESTRACK: Review and Assess Sustainability Measures at ESTRACK Ground Stations

You will evaluate existing and future sustainability initiatives and operational activities at selected ESTRACK ground stations, assessing their documented environmental impact, energy consumption, and effects on local energy grids. You will analyse available data from past and ongoing measures to determine operational efficiency and alignment with ISO 50001 energy management standards.

Green ESTRACK: Develop and Maintain Sustainability Metrics and Dashboards

You will design and maintain metrics in alignment with recognised sustainability standards. These metrics will help track the effectiveness of initiatives and demonstrate the tangible benefits of adopting sustainable practices. You will present the results clearly for both internal use and external reporting, highlighting the positive environmental and operational impact.

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.

You should have a keen interest in sustainability, strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate across different technical and administrative teams.

• Basic knowledge of Python programming code;
• basic knowledge of atmospheric propagation;
• familiarity with sustainability principles, carbon accounting, or environmental standards like energy management/ISO 50001;
• proactive, able to multitask and have strong self-motivation;
• good communication skills for handling a broad range of interfaces and the ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

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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