Intern in the Cybersecurity Engineering and Software Engineering domains

Introduction

You can choose between the following topics:

Topic 1: Mission Operations Ground Systems Security Engineering

Cybersecurity is growing to be more and more important in ground system engineering and spacecraft operations. It affects all layers of the mission operations infrastructure, from IT systems to software to communication protocols. This topic explores innovative approaches to improve the cybersecurity posture and security operations concepts for the mission operations ground system.

Our team and mission

The Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department is responsible for all the ground systems engineering and support activities required to support mission operations and implement innovation.

The Department maintains and manages a full level of competences, technologies and services in all engineering disciplines related to ground systems, infrastructure, technology evolution and Engineering R&T and innovation. Moreover, it provides expert support in these areas to the Directorate of Operations for all current and potential missions and leads, in the role of architect, ground systems evolution and innovation implementation in the infrastructure and to other ESA programs. Furthermore it is responsible for the overall technical innovation and technical standardisation coordination for the ground segment.

You can see following domains of the department's expertise:

• ground Station Engineering.
• flight Dynamics and Mission Analysis.
• mission Operations Data Systems Engineering.
• navigation Support.
• multi-Mission Infrastructure – Ground Segment Integration and Testing.

Within the topic, possible identified areas of focus which may be agreed based on the candidate’s interest and expertise include:

• extending and improving SpaceSecLab capabilities – a safe, portable and reproducible environments for network simulations, security penetration tests and audit capabilities of representative space systems.
• threat modelling for future space missions and the solar system internet. This also includes development and research of new mitigations and anomaly detection in, e.g., Delay-Tolerant Networks using the bundle protocol for interplanetary communication.
• support in the development, hardening and conformance/interoperability testing of existing and upcoming CCSDS/IETF communication protocols, e.g., BPSec, LTP, SPP, for space missions.
• data systems security management, including the execution of security risk assessments, supporting certification activities and operating the information security management system. A major threat to be addressed currently is for example supply chain security.

Topic 2: Future Ground Systems Engineering

New upcoming missions require constant development and evolution of ground systems that support spacecraft control, data processing, and mission planning. As part of a dynamic team, you’ll explore cutting-edge technologies such as automation, virtualization, and cloudification, contributing to innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and resilience of future space operations. OPS-G maintains the Advanced Ground and Space Applications (AGSA) lab to trial new technologies and concepts in this domain.

Within the topic, possible identified areas of focus which may be agreed based on the candidate’s interest and expertise include:

• advancing the automation capabilities and expanding the test coverage of our next generation mission control system for upcoming missions.
• data conversion and automated tailoring of standards formats such as CCSDS XTCE to our next generation mission control system with a rover or cube sat mission.

Your profile

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 studying 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.

Topic 1:

• knowledge or academic specialization in the area of cybersecurity, secure software, and/or systems engineering is an asset.
• familiarity with mainstream programming languages and a developer background are assets.
• experience with space-related protocols such as the DTN bundle protocol or with building docker-based network testbeds and Linux knowledge in general are very beneficial for certain tasks.

Topic 2:

• knowledge or academic specialization in the area of system and/or software engineering and potentially innovation management is an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

Job Requisition ID: 19934

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Appointment: Intern

Directorate: Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE

Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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, 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.

Find your path with ESA

Internship Programme

FAQ

Contact

For further details, interested candidates are encouraged to visit:

http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/gse/Building_infrastructure_on_Earth_to_support_satellites_in_space

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship