The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for hybrid and resilient PNT systems evolution in its Galileo and EGNOS Programme 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 would contribute to a technical work package on hybrid, fused and resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), helping shape the future evolution of EU satellite navigation systems.
ESA Hybrid and Resilient PNT Systems Evolution Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20991
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🧭 Directorate: Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Team: GNSS Evolution Upstream R&D Implementation Office
The team, the GNSS Evolution Upstream R&D Implementation Office, is responsible for defining, consolidating and implementing innovative technologies and supporting research and development for the next generations of operational systems for the European Union (EU PNT satellite systems).
A Paradigm Shift Towards Multi-Layered Navigation
EU satellite navigation systems are undergoing a paradigm shift towards multi-layered system concepts and architectures (for example GEO, MEO and LEO). They also leverage synergies with other components of the EU Space Programme, for example IRISS and so-called Fused PNT concepts that use governmental satellite communications signals for PNT, to enhance the performance and resilience of PNT solutions.
What the Role Offers
If selected, you will have the opportunity to directly contribute to shaping the future evolution of EU PNT satellite systems, such as future generations of Galileo, EGNOS and EU LEO-PNT. The role features unique opportunities to develop your expertise and take initiative while addressing cutting-edge concepts and technologies.
It will give you the opportunity to develop your expertise in the System of PNT systems, the apportionment of performances among layers, components and systems contributing to the EU's future System of PNT Systems concepts, and the exploration of synergies with other components of the EU Space Programme to enhance future PNT capabilities.
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Working With Teams Across the Directorate and ESA
The internship also involves cooperation with diverse teams of the Directorate that are involved in PNT evolutions at various levels: system, space and ground segments, future concepts, in-orbit demonstrations and user segment technologies, and synergies with satellite communication systems.
You will also work with the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality, with access to world-class laboratories for PNT and satellite communications.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
Your Work Package: Hybrid, Fused and Resilient PNT
During this internship, you will contribute to a defined technical work package on hybrid, fused and resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). The work package is selected according to your academic background, available laboratory equipment and the team's priorities.
What You Will Do Under the Guidance of Your Tutor
Under the guidance of your tutor, you will have the following tasks:
📚 Review the state of the art in GNSS evolution, multi-layer, fused and hybrid PNT, including relevant ESA field-trial results, and identify performance trends and improvement opportunities, particularly for indoor, deep-urban, canopy, obstructed, jamming and spoofing conditions.
🛰️ Define or refine PNT concepts combining multiple orbital layers, GNSS, satellite communications, terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G/6G networks, synthetic aperture radar signals and complementary sensors (for example vision).
🧪 Develop simulations, receiver models, processing algorithms and performance-apportionment methods, exploring artificial intelligence and field-trial datasets to improve modelling accuracy and the analysis of overall system performance.
🔧 Implement and improve user-receiver algorithms that fuse GNSS with signals from telecommunication or radar satellites, wireless networks, cameras, inertial sensors and other advanced sensors.
🔬 Set up and conduct simulations and laboratory tests using generated, recorded or live signals, then process the measurements and assess positioning accuracy, availability, continuity, robustness and resilience.
📝 Compare the investigated techniques, document the software, models, test configurations and results, and present your main findings, limitations and recommendations to the team.
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.
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.
Language and Interview 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.
Background and Skills That Count as an Asset
The following are considered assets:
🎓 A university background in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, physics or another relevant discipline
📡 Basic knowledge of satellite navigation, signal processing, estimation, telecommunications or sensor fusion
💻 Experience gained through university courses or academic projects with Python, MATLAB or a comparable scientific programming environment
💡 A proactive and curious mindset, with an interest in exploring evolutions in space systems and an appetite for new concepts and technologies relevant to European space systems
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 Export Control
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.
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 hybrid and resilient PNT systems evolution internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Galileo and EGNOS Programme Department. The vacancy lists the Directorate of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity, and the team is the GNSS Evolution Upstream R&D Implementation Office.
What is the internship about?
You would contribute to a defined technical work package on hybrid, fused and resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). The work supports the future evolution of EU PNT satellite systems, such as future generations of Galileo, EGNOS and EU LEO-PNT.
What will I work on during the internship?
Under the guidance of your tutor, you would review the state of the art in GNSS evolution and fused PNT, define or refine multi-layer PNT concepts, and develop simulations, receiver models and processing algorithms. You would also implement user-receiver algorithms that fuse GNSS with other signals and sensors, run simulations and laboratory tests, and present your findings, limitations and recommendations to the team.
Which conditions does the work focus on?
The review of the state of the art looks at performance trends and improvement opportunities, particularly for indoor, deep-urban, canopy, obstructed, jamming and spoofing conditions.
Which signals and sensors are involved?
The vacancy names multiple orbital layers, GNSS, satellite communications, terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G/6G networks, synthetic aperture radar signals and complementary sensors such as vision. User-receiver algorithms can also fuse GNSS with signals from telecommunication or radar satellites, wireless networks, cameras and inertial sensors.
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 skills are an asset?
The vacancy lists a university background in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, physics or another relevant discipline. Basic knowledge of satellite navigation, signal processing, estimation, telecommunications or sensor fusion, and experience with Python, MATLAB or a comparable scientific programming environment are also assets.
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 20991): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Galileo-and-EGNOS-Programme-Department-Hybrid-and-Resilient-PNT-Systems-Evolution/1452921133/
📰 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
