At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Spaceship ECSAT team to explore innovative technologies for future space missions.
- Company: ESA, a leader in space exploration with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, work with cutting-edge tech, and contribute to exciting space projects.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that shapes the future of human spaceflight.
- Qualifications: Must be a university student with a background in relevant fields like robotics or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom. Due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK and Irish citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.
Our team and mission: The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE) is the main ESA entity in charge of supporting and coordinating efforts towards the current and future endeavours of human spaceflight. The exploration activities are part of the strategic plans in securing a central role for Europe with respect to global initiatives. The strategy includes three destinations where humans will work with robots to gather new knowledge: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the Moon, and Mars.
The “Spaceship ECSAT” initiative is investigating low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies for supporting the future cislunar space mission as well as surface activities on the Moon as part of the Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team. This multidisciplinary, innovation-driven team composed of researchers, graduate and undergraduate students is based at the ESA European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT). The founding idea behind this initiative is to prepare the future of space exploration. To do so, a pragmatic and research-focused approach is adopted, and knowledge acquired is disseminated within ESA, partners, and the relevant scientific community.
Within Spaceship ECSAT, we have a number of fields where we carry out different projects. These fields are:
- Demonstrating disruptive technologies such as Virtual/Augmented Reality, collaborative robotics and their potential use cases for exploration;
- Investigating novel concepts in the domain of Space Resources/In-Situ Resource Utilisation, to enable sustainable human exploration;
- Topics related to ‘off world living’, e.g. human factors, design and concept illustration.
We are continually looking for innovative applicants with skills or interests in these areas to join the Spaceship ECSAT team.
Field(s) of activity for the internship: You can choose among the following topics:
- Topic 1: Robotics - Our Spaceship team is always on the lookout for talented and motivated persons to join our projects and contribute to ESA’s exploration activities. The main areas in which the initiative is currently active are remote manipulation, embedded systems and machine learning.
- Topic 2: VR/XR - Our Spaceship team is always on the lookout for talented and motivated persons to join our projects and contribute to ESA’s exploration activities. The main areas in which the initiative is currently active are virtual and augmented reality applied to training, graphic design, human-machine interfaces & robotics.
- Topic 3: Human Factors - Our Spaceship team is always on the lookout for talented and motivated persons to join our projects and contribute to ESA’s exploration activities. The main areas in which the initiative is currently active are decision making and outreach with a focus on embedded systems, graphic design and human-machine interfaces.
Behavioural competencies: Result Orientation, Operational Efficiency, Fostering Cooperation, Relationship Management, Continuous Improvement, Forward Thinking.
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. A background in robotics, computer science, electrical/electronic engineering, mechatronics, aerospace engineering or a related field (Topic 1), together with an interest in virtual and augmented reality, simulation, visualisation (Topic 2) and human–machine interfaces (Topic 3), would be an asset. Familiarity with tools such as ROS/ROS 2, Unreal Engine or Simulink, and an interest in their application to space exploration and planetary surface operations, would also be advantageous.
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.
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, 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.
Intern in the Spaceship ECSAT team in Harwell employer: ESA
ESA is an attractive employer due to its commitment to innovation and professional development in the field of space exploration. Employees have the opportunity to work on significant projects that impact global connectivity and sustainability. The collaborative work culture encourages creativity and engagement with cutting-edge technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Intern in the Spaceship ECSAT team in Harwell
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like ESA, are hiring!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like ESA. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from ESA!
✨Leverage Internships to Build Skills
Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like ESA that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Intern in the Spaceship ECSAT team in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at ESA. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESA
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at ESA, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like ESA often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show ESA that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
