Intern in the Electrical Department - Power Systems Architecture Section
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Power Systems Architecture Section supports space missions and technology research and development activities by defining and optimising spacecraft power system architectures. The team contributes to the sizing and design of power generation, power conditioning and power distribution systems that safely regulate and deliver electrical power to spacecraft equipment.
As an intern, you will work in a multidisciplinary engineering environment, collaborating with specialists in power electronics and spacecraft systems. You will use advanced engineering tools and simulation techniques to assess electrical performance, analyse system dynamics and investigate failure modes under different space mission conditions. This provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative technologies that support future space missions.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
You can choose among the following topics:
1) Topic 1: AI for Advanced Digital Control and Failure Prediction of DC/DC Converters
This topic will be hosted in the Power Systems Architecture section in the TEC-EP Division.
The objective is to investigate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance the performance, robustness, and autonomy of digitally controlled DC/DC converters for space applications. The work may include AI-assisted control strategies, adaptive tuning of control parameters, anomaly detection, health monitoring, and predictive failure analysis based on telemetry and operational data. You will explore techniques such as machine learning, neural networks, and digital twins to improve converter efficiency, stability, reliability, and fault tolerance while supporting future intelligent power management architectures.
2) Topic 2: AI assisted Design of DC/DC converters
This topic will be hosted in the Power Systems Architecture section in the TEC-EP Division.
The objective is to explore the application of Artificial Intelligence to support and accelerate the design of DC/DC converters. Areas of investigation may include topology selection, semiconductor sizing and loss estimation, magnetic component design, control system development, and multi-objective optimisation. The work will assess how specialised AI agents, combined with engineering design tools, can automate design tasks, improve design quality, reduce development time, and support engineers throughout the converter design process. The study will focus on creating efficient AI-driven workflows for power electronics engineering.
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.
Knowledge and background in DC/DC power conversion, power converter control and FPGA programming is an asset.
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 ESA.Student.Internships@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, 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.
