The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Antenna and Sub-millimetre Waves Section of its Electrical Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: you choose between two research topics, calibration of active phased array antennas or real-time reconfigurable active arrays with nulling for LEO constellation ground stations.
ESA Antenna and Sub-millimetre Waves Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21026
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🚀 Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
About the Antennas and Sub-millimetre Waves Section
The Antennas and Sub-millimetre Waves Section provides functional support to ESA projects across all the various domains: Navigation, Earth Observation, Telecommunication/Secure Connectivity, Human Robotic Exploration and Launchers. It also carries out technological research (R&D) in the field(s) of space antenna systems, submillimetre wave instruments and associated technologies.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
What the Section Covers
The vacancy lists four areas of work for the section:
🛰️ Analysis, engineering, RF modelling and design tool developments of stand-alone antennas (ground and space), as well as interference effects among antennas and with the spacecraft structure or other platform (like aircraft/train/vehicle).
📶 Design and analysis of all antenna (active and passive) sub-systems, including stand-alone radiators, arrays, reflector, lens optics, dichroics and their associated focal plane.
🔬 Analysis, engineering, RF modelling and design tool developments of instrument architecture, antenna, front-end technology and components for sub-millimetre wave applications.
📏 Antenna measurements and RF material characterisation.
Choose Your Internship Topic
The vacancy states that you can choose among two topics: Topic 1, on error sources and calibration techniques in active phased arrays, and Topic 2, on real-time reconfigurable active arrays with nulling capabilities for LEO constellation ground stations.
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Topic 1: Assessment of Error Sources and Calibration Techniques in Active Phased Arrays
Calibration is a key element in the operation of active phased array antennas. Small amplitude and phase errors caused by component tolerances, thermal effects, and ageing can significantly degrade beamforming performance, antenna gain, pointing accuracy, and sidelobe levels. Effective calibration enables these imperfections to be identified and compensated, ensuring that the array achieves its expected performance throughout its operational lifetime.
The goal of this internship is to investigate the calibration of active phased array antennas, assess the impact of hardware imperfections on beamforming performance, and evaluate modern calibration techniques applicable to large-scale and next-generation antenna systems.
Topic 1 Activities
Activities for this internship include:
📚 Conducting a comprehensive literature review of modern calibration techniques for active phased arrays, including conducted, radiative, adaptive and automated calibration approaches.
🔎 Identifying the main error sources and performance drivers affecting active phased arrays, including manufacturing tolerances, gain and phase variations, thermal drifts, mutual coupling and frequency-dependent effects.
📊 Gathering and analysing performance and stability data of key array components to quantify their contribution to overall array performance degradation.
💻 Developing a representative numerical model of an active phased array using MATLAB and, where appropriate, HFSS, CST, TICRA or ADS, including realistic hardware impairments and environmental effects.
🧪 Implementing and evaluating one or more selected calibration techniques and assessing their effectiveness, robustness and scalability in mitigating identified error sources.
📝 Summarising the findings in a detailed technical report, including recommendations, identified technology gaps and potential future developments in active phased-array calibration.
What You Will Learn in Topic 1
The intern will develop knowledge of active phased-array antennas, modern calibration techniques, RF system modelling and performance analysis. The internship also offers practical experience in assessing the impact of hardware imperfections and evaluating calibration approaches through numerical simulations.
Topic 2: Real-Time Reconfigurable Active Arrays with Nulling Capabilities for LEO Constellation Ground Stations
To monitor and track the growing number of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, next-generation ground stations require advanced active antenna systems. According to the vacancy, market solutions are currently virtually non-existent or come at prohibitive costs (more than €10M per system) due to the strict demands of multi-beam operation, True Time Delay (TTD) performance, and wide fields of view (FoV).
Existing commercial alternatives offer limited bandwidth and a restricted number of concurrent beams. Conformal solutions, like the truncated pyramid architecture using 5–6 inclined panels, add significant mechanical and structural complexity.
Topic 2 Proposed Solution: A Flat Active Phased Array
Building upon a recent ESA patent [RD1] filed in June 2026, this project focuses on optimising a completely flat active phased array capable of dynamically generating 10–12 real-time reconfigurable beams over a wide scanning range, up to 70° from boresight across all azimuthal planes.
Topic 2 Key Technical Features and Advantages
🧱 Flat Architecture: completely replaces complex conformal/pyramidal structures, drastically simplifying fabrication and maintenance.
🔀 Dynamic Sub-Arraying: the number and spatial layout of active radiating elements adjust dynamically per beam. Beams pointing toward the horizon automatically allocate more elements to compensate for scan loss compared to zenith-pointing beams.
🤝 Seamless Hand-Over: solves panel-to-panel hand-over issues inherent in multi-panel conformal systems by synthesizing all beams across a single aperture.
🔋 Maximised DC-to-RF Efficiency: employs equi-power (uniform) amplitude excitation across active elements to optimise amplifier efficiency, using element positioning, phase tapering, and selective element activation as the primary degrees of freedom.
🛡️ Interference Mitigation (Nulling): integrates adaptive pattern nulling to enhance system resilience and support dual-use communications in contested or high-interference environments.
Topic 2 Design Trade-Offs and Market Impact
While the flat footprint is physically larger than a truncated pyramid structure, it significantly reduces mechanical complexity. For professional ground station applications, operational constraints on size, weight, and power (SWaP) can be relaxed in favour of maximizing RF performance, specifically EIRP, operational bandwidth, and angular coverage.
Once realised, this array architecture will offer high-value commercial opportunities across Satellite Telecommunications, Earth Observation (EO), and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
Topic 2 Patent Reference
The vacancy cites one reference document: [RD 1] P. Angeletti, M. Pellet, G. Toso, "Method for Antenna Array Synthesis and Dynamic Operation with Steerable Main Beam and Targeted Nulls", filed June 1st 2026, patent application PCT/FR2026/010143.
Who Can Apply: 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.
Working Languages
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.
Behavioural Competencies
ESA assesses candidates against its Core Behavioural Competencies. The vacancy lists these six:
🎯 Result Orientation
🛠️ Operational Efficiency
🤝 Fostering Cooperation
📞 Relationship Management
♻️ Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Which Nationalities Can Apply?
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.
Duration, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities.
Selection Tests and Interview
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Export Control and Sanctions Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Support for Applicants with Disabilities
At the Agency, diversity is valued and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA seeks 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. The contact email for this is listed at the end of this post.
Important Information
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. The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Antenna and Sub-millimetre Waves internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Antennas and Sub-millimetre Waves Section of ESA's Electrical Department in the Technology, Engineering and Quality directorate.
What does the Antennas and Sub-millimetre Waves Section do?
It provides functional support to ESA projects in Navigation, Earth Observation, Telecommunication/Secure Connectivity, Human Robotic Exploration and Launchers. It also carries out R&D in space antenna systems, submillimetre wave instruments and associated technologies.
Which internship topics can I choose from?
The vacancy offers two topics. Topic 1 is the assessment of error sources and calibration techniques in active phased arrays. Topic 2 is real-time reconfigurable active arrays with nulling capabilities for LEO constellation ground stations.
What will I do in the calibration topic?
You will review modern calibration techniques, identify error sources, analyse component performance and stability data, build a numerical model of an active phased array in MATLAB and, where appropriate, HFSS, CST, TICRA or ADS, evaluate selected calibration techniques, and write a detailed technical report.
What is the focus of the LEO ground station topic?
The project focuses on optimising a completely flat active phased array that can dynamically generate 10–12 real-time reconfigurable beams up to 70° from boresight across all azimuthal planes, with adaptive pattern nulling to mitigate interference.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year at Master's level, and you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship. You must also be a national of one of the States listed in the vacancy.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of ESA are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, internships last 3 to 6 months and begin from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities, according to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA notes that the information on its careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication but is not intended to be exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (ESA vacancy 21026): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Electrical-Department-Antenna-and-Sub-millimetre-Waves-Section/1452880733/
📰 ESA Student Internships 2027: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌌 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 Contact for disability support: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
