Intern, Electrical Department – Antenna and Sub-millimetre Waves

European Space Agency - ESA

. Conduct a literature review of modern calibration techniques for active phased arrays .

Posted 10/31/2026internshipNoordwijk • NetherlandsEntry LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in calibration techniques for active phased arrays, including numerical modeling using MATLAB and relevant simulation tools. Proficient in analyzing performance data and optimizing array configurations for advanced beamforming applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Numerical Modeling Using MATLABCalibration Techniques for Active Phased ArraysPerformance Data AnalysisKnowledge of Export Control RegulationsTechnical Reporting and Recommendations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Calibration TechniquesPerformance AnalysisNumerical ModelingBeamforming OptimizationError Source IdentificationData AnalysisDynamic Sub-ArrayingAdaptive Pattern NullingThermal Drift AssessmentFrequency-Dependent Effects

Soft Skills

MotivationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

MATLABHFSSCSTTICRAADS

Industry Keywords

Active Phased ArraysLEO Constellation Ground StationsManufacturing TolerancesGain and Phase VariationsMutual CouplingReal-Time Reconfigurable BeamsEuropean Export Control RegulationsESA Member State Languages

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct a literature review of modern calibration techniques for active phased arrays
Identify error sources and performance drivers including manufacturing tolerances, gain and phase variations, thermal drifts, mutual coupling and frequency-dependent effects
Gather and analyse performance and stability data of array components
Develop a numerical model of an active phased array using MATLAB and, where appropriate, HFSS, CST, TICRA or ADS
Implement and evaluate calibration techniques for effectiveness, robustness and scalability
Assess hardware imperfections and their impact on beamforming performance
Summarise findings in a detailed technical report with recommendations, technology gaps and future developments
Optimise a flat active phased array capable of generating 10–12 real-time reconfigurable beams over a wide scanning range
Investigate dynamic sub-arraying, seamless hand-over, DC-to-RF efficiency and adaptive pattern nulling for LEO constellation ground stations

Requirements

What you’ll need

University student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master's level
Must be able to prove enrollment at university for the entire duration of the internship
Good knowledge of English or French required
Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset
Must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations
Applications considered only from nationals of 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
Motivation for applying will be explored during the interview

Benefits

Comp & perks

Internship programme at ESA
Equal opportunity and inclusive working environment
Workplace support and recruitment assistance for candidates with disabilities, where possible
Opportunity to gain practical experience in active phased-array antennas, calibration techniques, RF system modelling and performance analysis
Opportunity to work on numerical simulations and evaluate calibration approaches
Opportunity to develop knowledge of real-time reconfigurable active arrays, beamforming and interference mitigation