Intern in the Exploration Science Office - Data Infrastructure
Key Skills
Job Description
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
Within the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration, the Exploration Science activities are a cornerstone of the Explore2040 strategy, driving innovation at the intersection of human exploration and scientific discovery. It integrates exploration-focused science, essential for future missions, with exploration-enabled science, leveraging space for groundbreaking research. With access to ground-based analogues, the International Space Station (ISS), future commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) platforms, the Lunar Gateway, the Moon, and Mars, the programme offers unique opportunities for transformative research in diverse environments. Guided by European values of collaboration, excellence, and responsibility, the programme emphasizes open science, international cooperation, and inspiring future generations. From developing countermeasures for spaceflight to searching for life on Mars, ESA Exploration Science advances knowledge for space and Earth alike.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Exploration Science activities rely on information about science projects, research teams, organisations, facilities, milestones and scientific outputs. Part of this information is currently distributed across different files and systems, making it difficult to maintain a consistent and authoritative view of ongoing activities and their results.
During this internship, you will contribute to the development of a common data infrastructure for Exploration Science. Working with existing data sources (scientific publications, archiving tools) and user requirements, you will help design and implement reliable ways to structure, integrate, validate and maintain this information. Your work will provide the data foundation for user-facing applications, reporting and future analysis.
Through this internship, you will:
- analyse existing data sources and translate information requirements into a structured data model;
- design and implement a relational database with appropriate data-integrity rules;
- build repeatable processes to migrate, clean and transform existing data;
- develop data pipelines and interfaces for retrieving information from external sources, including scientific publication metadata;
- implement data-quality methods for validation, provenance, deduplication and entity matching;
- create reusable data services for applications and reporting tools;
- test and document the data infrastructure to support long-term maintenance and future development.
You will work closely with colleagues developing user-facing applications that use this common data infrastructure. Through the internship, you will gain practical experience in data architecture, relational database development, application programming interfaces, data quality, scientific information management and the development of maintainable data systems in a multidisciplinary environment.
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.
A background in computer science, data engineering, software engineering, data science or a related technical discipline would be an asset.
You should have:
- good programming skills, preferably in Python;
- practical knowledge of Structured Query Language, relational databases and data modelling;
- familiarity with application programming interfaces and version control;
- an interest in data quality, data protection and maintainable software.
Experience with data pipelines, machine learning, automated testing, containerisation or scientific data sources would be an additional 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 [email protected].
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.
Core Responsibilities
You will contribute to the development of a common data infrastructure for Exploration Science by designing and implementing relational databases. Additionally, you will build data pipelines, perform data cleaning, and implement validation methods to ensure high-quality, consistent data for scientific applications.
Requirements
Candidates must be university students at the Master's level, preferably in computer science, data engineering, or a related technical field. Proficiency in Python and SQL, along with an understanding of relational databases and data modeling, is required.
About ESA
Industry: Space Research and Technology
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space.