Intern in the Galileo Programme Office, System Assembly, Integration, and Verification (SAIV) Team

Our team and mission

You will join the Galileo Programme Office, part of the Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department within the Directorate of Navigation at the European Space Agency (ESA). Specifically, you will work with the System Assembly, Integration, and Verification (SAIV) team, collaborating closely with engineering, performance, and test teams involved in the Galileo Second Generation (G2G) programme.

Galileo is Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), delivering high-precision, autonomous Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services worldwide, along with a Search and Rescue (SAR) capability.

The SAIV team’s mission is to qualify the next-generation Galileo system components—including the control and mission segments, as well as the new G2G satellites—through an incremental and Agile approach. This qualification effort encompasses architecture enhancements and service evolution compared to the first-generation system.

Key responsibilities of the SAIV team include:

• leading the System Compatibility Test Campaigns (SCTCs) and the Radio Frequency Compatibility Tests (RFCTs), which validate the interaction between the satellite, the Galileo Ground Segment, and the Test User Receiver to ensure end-to-end system functionality prior to launch;
• conducting GSEG compatibility testing at interface and functional level;
• conducting overall system performance tests;
• conducting the In-Orbit Test (IOT) campaigns following satellite launch, to confirm the proper functioning of all satellite systems;
• managing the In-Orbit Validation (IOV) campaigns, aimed at verifying and validating the system's mission-level performance requirements once the satellites are operational in orbit.

The SAIV team plays a central role in safeguarding service continuity and system performance. It works in close coordination with the engineering, security, deployment, and performance teams to ensure that the evolution of the system does not compromise existing services.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Galileo System Test Engineering

As part of the System Assembly, Integration and Verification (SAIV) team for the Galileo Second Generation (G2G) programme, you will be actively involved in de-risking test activities focusing on the main satellite RF interfaces: C-Band, S-Band, L-Band, and K-Band.

These test campaigns are conducted either:

• on-site at ESA ESTEC, using satellite interface representative models (also known as "Suitcases"), or
• at satellite manufacturers' or subcontractors’ facilities, when tests involve engineering or flight models of the actual satellite payloads.

In this context, your responsibilities as an intern will include:

• support the set up and operating laboratory test equipment, including RF test setup preparation and execution;
• developing software tools and scripts in MATLAB or Python for data formatting, automation, and post-processing;
• recovering the Search and Rescue (SAR) test campaign with the available Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminal (MEOLUT) deployed at ESA ESTEC, debugging and updating it with newest or R&D SAR features algorithms at hardware and software defined radio level (involving FPGA boards and LabVIEW/VHDL code);
• contributing to the definition and review of test plans, test cases, and test procedures;
• participating in technical meetings, integration activities, and formal reviews;
• identifying and troubleshooting technical issues, and supporting their resolution in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage in the Young NAV community—ESA’s initiative for young professionals within the Directorate of Navigation—where you can collaborate on challenging R&D projects with other trainees and early-career engineers.

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 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.

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.

Qualifications considered an asset include a background in one or more of the following areas:

• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as Galileo or GPS;
• signal processing;
• radiofrequency;
• conducting test campaigns;
• knowledge in MATLAB;
• knowledge in Python;
• use of AI-powered Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for software development and productivity enhancement.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a collaborative team.