Intern in the Ground Systems Eng. & Innovation Dep. - Global Interplanetary Trajectory Optimisation
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
You will be part of the Mission Analysis Section, Flight Dynamics Division, Ground Systems Engineering Department.
The Mission Analysis Section is entrusted with mission studies for future terrestrial, lunar and interplanetary missions as well as scientific missions located in planetary or lunar libration points. The emphasis is typically on trajectory and attitude related aspects, and on supporting ground segment design and operations. This includes trade-offs for selection of the nominal mission trajectory, definition of manoeuvering strategies, optimisation of orbital manoeuvres (low- and high-thrust propulsion, including rocket ascent trajectories), calculation of propellant budget, analysis of launch window, analysis of orbit perturbations and navigation. The task also includes the development of the necessary analytical and numerical methods and software tools.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Trajectory optimisation plays a central role in mission design and analysis at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC). Interplanetary trajectories, lunar tours, and other complex missions all rely on sophisticated global search and optimisation methods. Typically, coarse initial solutions are refined through local, gradient-based techniques to achieve the required mission accuracy and feasibility.
The Mission Analysis Section at ESOC employs different tools for trajectory design and optimisation, and has defined a unified software framework called SALTO. This framework implements an innovative approach for interplanetary trajectory design, separating the energy-based unphased solutions from the phasing problem, although still requiring a certain degree of expert input in order to efficiently obtain mission solutions.
You will contribute to the development of SALTO, with a particular focus on global optimisation techniques, to find wide ranges of mission possibilities once an interplanetary mission profile is established. Your tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Investigating the integration of global optimisation methods (e.g. genetic algorithms, differential evolution, or other metaheuristics) within the SALTO framework;
- improving the usability, robustness, and automation of the tool based on user experience and mission requirements;
- enhancing the performance of SALTO through parallelisation and algorithmic optimisation;
- investigating the use of General Purpose Graphical Processing Units (GP-GPUs) to accelerate the global search methods.
The use of GPUs is particularly of interest for this internship. ESOC has developed a set of GPU-based tools, which can be used to accelerate the global optimisation methods. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the future of ESA’s mission design capabilities, combining theoretical research with hands-on software development and validation on real-world problems.
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.
Required qualifications and skills:
- A solid background in applied mathematics, physics, or aerospace engineering, ideally with experience in optimisation, numerical methods, or astrodynamics;
- proficiency in Python and familiarity with modern software development practices, including version control (Git/GitLab), continuous integration, and unit testing;
- strong analytical thinking, creativity, and a collaborative mindset;
- motivation to apply advanced algorithms to practical mission design challenges in an international team environment;
- knowledge of GPU programming and CUDA language 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.
