Intern in Disruptive Resilience Technologies, Navigation Innovation and Support Programme

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

The Navigation Innovation and Support Programme is dedicated to develop and support innovative solutions in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) that support European industry and address real-world challenges. We work at the forefront of technology, helping economic operators to transform new ideas into practical commercial solutions used in a wide range of sectors, from transportation to finance or emergency services. Since 2017, the team has launched more than 400 projects, addressing everything from satellite navigation to secure and resilient PNT services and products.
As part of our group, you will contribute directly to projects that combine research, technical studies, and hands-on experimentation. We value initiative and fresh thinking. Your work will not only improve your technical skills but also have the potential to influence technology that matters on a European and global scale.

To find out more about our activities and how they fit within the wider context and future of ESA, visit:

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

Topic of the internship: Disruptive Resilience PNT Technologies

You will contribute to research that is essential for the resilience of navigation, positioning and timing products and services. You will directly support the third goal of ESA’s Strategy 2040, which places increasing emphasis on protecting critical space-based services and strengthening Europe’s position as a leader in security, resilience, and technological innovation.

You will be receiving assignments on the following topics for the duration of the internship: 

1. Threat Landscape Analysis

Conduct an in-depth review of literature, political news and technical reports to map the current and emerging threats to navigation, positioning and timing services. Examples include, but not limited to, radio-frequency jamming and spoofing events, electro-magnetic interference, protocol-level-spoofing and cyber threats.

2. Evaluation of Countermeasures and Technical Resilience Improvements

Investigate and develop possible technologies that could improve the resilience against threats. Some technologies NAVISP is already actively working on are: phased array antennas, artificial intelligence for anomaly detection, quantum sensors as robust alternatives, sensor fusion and low frequency PNT systems like e-LORAN. You will actively collaborate with our experts to ideate and develop new technologies in light of resilience.

3. Laboratory Experimentation

Participate in the design and setup of experiments to simulate vulnerabilities and test new counter measures in the Navigation Laboratory at ESTEC (https://technology.esa.int/lab/navigation-laboratory) . You will have the opportunity to develop new prototypes.

4. Aid in defining the NAVISP Element 1 (Innovation) Workplan for 2027

Document newly discovered vulnerabilities or emerging attack patterns identified during your research and experimentation. Contribute to the development of early-stage proposals for promising countermeasures that may be advanced in future program activities. Present your findings to the team and shape future research directions and technology development efforts.

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.

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.

The following criteria would be considered assets:

• knowledge or prior experience in defence and security (including jamming/spoofing resilience, secure communications, or electronic warfare);
• knowledge and background in satellite navigation;
• knowledge and experience in prototyping and lab environments.

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 contact.human.resources@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, 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, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).