Job Description

Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom
Due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.
Our team and mission
ESA's 'Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity' strategic programme line is advancing 5G and 6G technologies to support the digital transformation of Europe by integrating satellite and ground networks. This fusion of terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) will revolutionise how we live, work and communicate in terms of smart mobility, global coverage, security and network resilience. The programme aims to promote the standardisation of seamless global connectivity for various industries and applications, including telemedicine, tele-education, and autonomous vehicles, airplanes and ships.
This includes the development and utilisation of the flagship ECSAT 5G/6G Hub (UK), a centre for innovation and demonstration, where the use of TN/NTN networks, AI and extended reality is tailored to meet the growing demands of stakeholders such as operators, technology and service providers, and applications developers.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website:
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Exploring 6G, AI, and Satellite Communications at ESA's 5G/6G Hub
As an intern, you will:

• learn about next-generation wireless technologies like 6G and how they can support new digital experiences such as immersive reality, smart cities, and global connectivity;
• investigate how satellites can be used alongside ground networks to extend coverage, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas;
• explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and edge computing can improve satellite-based communication services;
• use ESA's 5G/6G Hub at Harwell to support hands-on demonstrations and testing, including use cases involving AI and immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality (XR);
• help shape a technology roadmap showing how satellites can support future 6G networks and contribute to global standards;
• present your findings and ideas in a final report and presentation to ESA experts;
• you will receive guidance and materials from ESA, including background on current technologies, market trends, and future opportunities. This is a unique opportunity.

See ESA websites for more information:
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to
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.
You should demonstrate good interpersonal skills, proactiveness and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. An interest in XR development and LLMs, is considered an asset.
Besides this, other additional requirements are:

• knowledge and background in telecommunication networks architecture, with preference towards satellite communications;
• knowledge in future cellular communications (e.g. 5G and 6G);
• knowledge of computer science advanced topics including: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning;
• knowledge of mixed reality development and programming (e.g. AR, VR, XR).

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
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, 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

Skills Required