Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Solar Orbiter Mission Planning System Automation

Our team and mission

You will be part of the Inner Solar System Mission Operations Unit, which is responsible for the flight operations of the ESA Bepi Colombo, Solar Orbiter and Cluster missions. Preparation activities for the ENVISION mission to Venus are also performed in the Unit. 

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​The Solar Orbiter Flight Control Team is composed of 6 Spacecraft Operations Engineers who are in charge of the flight operations of the Solar Orbiter spacecraft. Operations planning is performed with the Mission Planning System on a weekly basis, which consists of validating and uplinking a consolidated set of payload and platform operations requests.​ 

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​​This internship aims to further develop the automation of the Mission Planning System and support its integration into operations. 

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​During the internship, you will: 

• ​Be part of the Solar Orbiter Flight Control Team; 


• ​extend the capabilities of the existing automation system; 


• ​integrate existing tools into the automation framework; 


• ​collaborate with the Mission Planning Development Team to implement and validate new features; 


• ​perform validation and testing activities; 


• ​support the deployment of automation solutions into operational use. 

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 skills: 

• Proficiency in Python and Linux/Bash scripting. 

Desirable skills: 

• Experience with query-based languages.