Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) - Noordwijk, Netherlands

Under the direct authority of the Radio Frequency Systems and Payloads Office, the Radio Frequency Systems Division is responsible for RF end-to-end systems and associated laboratory facilities. More specifically its
responsibilities encompasses:

• Telecommunication systems and techniques, for both the space and ground segment including engineering tools, digital communication techniques, signal processing, networks and protocols, telecommunication equipment, security techniques and technologies;
• Radio navigation systems and techniques for both the space and ground segment including engineering tools, receivers, signal processing, navigation algorithms, security techniques and technologies, formation flying RF metrology;
• Radio navigation systems implementation and verification activities, service preparation and the navigation ground segment implementation aspects;
• Telemetry, tracking and control systems, including system tools, deep space and near Earth transponders, proximity link, high speed downlink modulators, digital communication techniques, signal processing techniques and secure communication techniques;
• Specification, design, development and testing of pre-commercial and commercial user segment and dedicated test facilities for telecom, navigation and Earth observation.

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic: Positioning with 5G/6G terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks

As an intern, you will contribute to the activities of the Section and ESTEC Navigation Laboratory in the topic of stand-alone positioning with cellular 5G/6G terrestrial and non-satellite networks, as well as hybridization of 5G/6G with other systems/sensors in the context of multi-layer PNT.

You will be involved in the following hands-on topics:

• Support to the development and integration of the 5G end-to-end (E2E) testbed and consolidation of the internal state-of-the-art simulation and analysis tools, testbeds, and capabilities
• Execution of 5G terrestrial monitoring campaigns and field trials (pedestrian, drone, vehicular) using equipment of the Radio Navigation Laboratory
• Execution of 5G non-terrestrial satellite monitoring campaigns with dedicated Ku/Ka band antennas. As part of this task, the candidate will investigate the options to lease RF payloads for the 5G satellite transmission or use remote radio heads in areas of 5G satellite coverage
• Characterization of operational 5G terrestrial and non-terrestrial signals for positioning
• Preparation, execution, and evaluation of PNT scenarios using the tools configured based on the results from the signal characterization

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.