Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Astronomy Centre  (ESAC) - Near Madrid, Spain

Under the direct authority of the Directorate of Science, the Head of the Science Operations Department is responsible for the development of the science operations infrastructure under the Directorate responsibility, the operation of the Directorate’s missions once successfully commissioned, and the curation of all scientific data in the missions’ legacy phase. These responsibilities are discharged in full coordination with the Directorate’s Departments and Offices and as appropriate, with the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS). 

In implementing its duties, the Science Operations Department is supported by the:  

• Mission Management and Science Operations Division (SCI-SO); 
• Science Operations Development Division (SCI-SD); 
• Data Science and Archives Division (SCI-SA). 

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence to boost Product Assurance

The Product Assurance Team offers comprehensive support across all missions within the Science Operations department. Our role involves setting and monitoring the quality of software applications developed, as well as ensuring that both development and operational processes meet specific standards. The aim of this internship is to investigate various AI techniques and apply some of them to enhance automation levels and, consequently, the efficiency of the PA Team. 
  
Your work will involve analysing different AI methodologies such as Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Deep Learning to assess the impact of these technologies on Product Assurance processes and tasks. 

The project encompasses two main objectives: 

• Investigating potential applications for a ChatBot within Product Assurance, exploring available technologies, and developing a prototype that supports Product Assurance Processes and adheres to the ECSS standards relevant to ESAC projects;
• Exploring AI assistant tools like MS Copilot to understand their potential in streamlining and speeding up our workflows, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing errors.

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 a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

The following would be an asset:

• Knowledge of Software Engineering process; 
• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence methodologies;
• Programming languages: Python;
• Knowledge of testing processes and tools;
• Knowledge of CI/CD;
• Knowledge of software quality assurance practices and techniques.