EUMETSAT is offering a six-month internship in its Real-time Services and System Operations Division in Darmstadt, Germany. The project centres on applying AI and machine learning techniques to the health monitoring and predictive maintenance of satellite ground station assets. The placement starts in 2027 and is open to bachelor and master students in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, engineering or related disciplines from EUMETSAT Member States. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy, and every requirement and condition is set out below.
About EUMETSAT
EUMETSAT is Europe's meteorological satellite agency. Its mandate is to establish and operate meteorological satellites to monitor the weather and climate from space: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Data and information are supplied to the National Meteorological Services of the organisation's Member States across Europe, as well as other users worldwide.
EUMETSAT also operates several Copernicus missions on behalf of the European Union and provides data services to the Copernicus marine and atmospheric services and their users.
As an intergovernmental European organisation, EUMETSAT has 30 Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
The Research Challenge: AI for Ground Segment Reliability
The internship provides a unique opportunity to investigate how modern AI and machine learning techniques can support the monitoring, maintenance and resilience of operational ground segment infrastructure. Recent developments within both academia and industry demonstrate a growing interest in applying predictive maintenance concepts to satellite communications infrastructure, antenna systems and operational support environments.
The trainee will have access to:
📡 Operational expertise from EUMETSAT's engineering teams
📊 Real engineering datasets that cannot typically be replicated in an academic setting
🏗️ A live ground stations operations environment providing hands-on context for the research
The outcomes of the project may support future innovations aimed at increasing operational efficiency, service continuity and infrastructure resilience across the EUMETSAT ground segment.
What You Will Work On
Following an initial familiarisation period with EUMETSAT operational services, ground segment infrastructure and monitoring systems, the trainee will carry out the following tasks:
🔍 Review EUMETSAT ground station infrastructure, operational monitoring systems and maintenance processes
📈 Develop a proof-of-concept dashboard or prototype tool for monitoring asset health and maintenance trends
🤖 Evaluate the applicability of AI tools and capabilities available through the EUMETSAT ML Framework (MLF) for selected predictive maintenance use cases
📋 Analyse the operational benefits, limitations and implementation considerations of AI-assisted predictive maintenance within EUMETSAT operations
📝 Prepare technical documentation, presentations and a final report summarising findings and recommendations
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Academic and Disciplinary Background
The internship is open to bachelor and master students who have a mandatory internship requirement as part of their curriculum. Relevant disciplines include:
💻 Computer Science
🧠 Artificial Intelligence
📊 Data Science
🔧 Software Engineering
📡 Telecommunications Engineering
⚡ Electrical Engineering
🚀 Aerospace Engineering
🖥️ Systems Engineering
📐 Applied Mathematics
🔬 Physics
Consideration may also be given if the internship is not a mandatory part of the curriculum, for a maximum duration of three months in that case.
Core Skills and Personal Qualities
EUMETSAT expects the following from all interns in this role:
🗣️ Ability to work effectively in English
💻 Computer literate
🔥 Intrinsically motivated and genuinely curious about the internship subject
🤝 Ability to work independently and collaboratively
💡 Ability to take the initiative in researching ideas
📋 Ability to collect, collate, conceptualise and present information clearly
Additional Advantageous Skills
The following skills and knowledge are not required but would strengthen an application:
🐍 Knowledge of one or more modern programming languages: Python, Java, C++, Go
🤖 Strong knowledge of state-of-the-art AI techniques, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agents, data analytics and statistical methods
📡 Interest in or basic understanding of satellite ground station architectures and operational systems
Employment Conditions and Financial Support
📆 Length of internship: 6 months
🗓️ Anticipated start date: 2027
📍 Location: Darmstadt, Germany
No salary is paid to interns who are still in their studies. However, the following financial contributions may be provided:
💶 Daily allowance: EUR 25 per day
🚛 Relocation cost reimbursement: up to EUR 400
🏠 Accommodation cost reimbursement: up to EUR 1,000 per month
Interns are responsible for:
🩺 Providing their own health and accident insurance
🏠 Finding their own accommodation in Darmstadt
Non-Disclosure and Background Check
The internship will require a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) due to the sensitivity of the information provided. A basic background check may also be required for the intern.
Language Requirements
The official languages of EUMETSAT are English and French. It is necessary to be able to work effectively in English.
Who Can Apply
Only nationals of EUMETSAT Member States may apply. The 30 Member States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
EUMETSAT is committed to providing an equal opportunities work environment for men and women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the internship project about?
The project investigates how AI and machine learning techniques can support the health monitoring and predictive maintenance of satellite ground station assets within EUMETSAT's operational ground segment. The trainee will develop a proof-of-concept tool, evaluate the EUMETSAT ML Framework for predictive maintenance, and produce a technical report with findings and recommendations.
Is the EUMETSAT internship paid?
No salary is paid. Interns may receive a daily allowance of EUR 25 per day, relocation cost reimbursement of up to EUR 400, and accommodation cost reimbursement of up to EUR 1,000 per month. Interns must arrange their own health and accident insurance and accommodation in Darmstadt.
What academic disciplines can apply?
The internship is open to bachelor and master students in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Physics, with a mandatory internship requirement.
What programming languages or technical skills are needed?
Computer literacy and effective English communication are required. Knowledge of Python, Java, C++ or Go and strong familiarity with AI techniques including LLMs and Agents are advantageous, as is interest in satellite ground station architectures.
Can I apply if the internship is not mandatory in my curriculum?
Yes, but only for a maximum duration of three months. The standard six-month placement is for students with a mandatory internship requirement.
Is there a background check?
Yes. The internship requires a non-disclosure agreement and may require a basic background check due to the sensitivity of the operational information provided.
Which countries are eligible?
Only nationals of EUMETSAT's 30 Member States may apply: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
When does the internship start?
The anticipated start date is 2027. The exact start date will be confirmed with the successful candidate.
Deadline
⏳ 19 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now: https://eumetsat.onlyfy.jobs/apply/6g3rstfizzx503fm543wdhh4yjqj9e3
🔗 Job description: https://eumetsat.onlyfy.jobs/en/job/6g3rstfizzx503fm543wdhh4yjqj9e3
