Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

Under the direct authority of the Mechanical Department, the Thermal Division is responsible for the technical and strategic management of:

• Thermal engineering, design, analysis and testing of space systems, covering active and passive thermal control systems;
• Implementation of technical support to all ESA projects and development programmes within its domain of competence, including support to failure investigations;
• Definition, coordination and implementation of technology development activities within its domain of competence, covering passive and active cryogenic cooling, heat transport, heat storage and heat rejection, thermal insulation, thermal protection, thermal analysis tools and methods, thermal and mechanical verification including testing;
• Maintenance and operation of the Mechanical Systems Laboratory with a number of facilities covering thermal cycling, thermal balance, CTE measurements, MLI performance measurements, thermal conductivity, mechanical testing, as well as the thermal computing facility and other TEC-M technical computing facilities;

among others.

The Thermal Analysis and Verification Section is responsible for providing the means of analysis and verification, and for performing predevelopment and verification tests in the field of thermal environment and mechanical systems. It is the centre of competence within the Agency for thermal analysis tools and verification, including testing. The Section is also responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Mechanical Engineering Department’s overall technical computing infrastructure.

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic: Thermal Analysis and Verification Engineering

Covering one or several of the activities below:

• Mechanical Systems Laboratory (MSL). Under supervision, participate to testing activities in the MSL. This may include the preparation and execution of thermal vacuum tests and/or mechanical vibration tests to support ESA projects and R&D activities.
• Mechanical Systems Laboratory (MSL): Participate to the development of new testing and measurement facilities in the MSL. These development activities may include supporting engineering analysis, design, commissioning, and documentation. Examples are measurement facilities for coefficient of thermal expansion, calibration of temperature sensors in cryogenic conditions, etc.
• Thermal Analysis: Supported by discipline experts contribute to thermal analysis activities of instruments and satellites. This may be in support of thermal design activities, or other related activities such as also involve other related activities such as in-flight model correlation, support to thermal testing, etc. This task is often carried out in collaboration with the Thermal Control Section (responsible for design aspects)

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Additional Requirements:

Knowledge and background in the following areas is an asset: laboratory work and testing, mechanical design and CAD, numerical analysis (e.g. thermal, structural, etc.), electrical engineering and instrumentation.