Intern – Ground Systems Engineering, Security Engineering

European Space Agency - ESA

. Explore the application of next-generation cryptographic technologies to secure future space communications .

Posted 10/31/2026internshipDarmstadt • GermanyEntry LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cryptographic technologies, particularly post-quantum algorithms, and applies security-by-design principles to ensure reliability and cybersecurity in space communications. Proficient in system and software security engineering, with a focus on security risk analysis and secure communication protocols.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Post-Quantum Cryptographic AlgorithmsSystem And Software Security EngineeringSecurity Risk AnalysisSecure Communication ProtocolsAI-Assisted Software Engineering

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

CryptographySecurity AnalysisSoftware DevelopmentData ArchivingPrototyping TechniquesPerformance Trade-Off AnalysisFault-Injection SecuritySide-Channel SecurityAPIsInformation Models

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Pulse EcosystemMission Control Systems

Industry Keywords

Space CommunicationsCybersecurityEuropean Export Control RegulationsInternational StandardisationResource-Constrained Environments

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Explore the application of next-generation cryptographic technologies to secure future space communications
Design and implement post-quantum cryptographic algorithms
Analyse security and performance trade-offs in resource-constrained space environments
Investigate side-channel and fault-injection implementation security
Conduct security analyses and software development
Contribute to ongoing international standardisation
Design and prototype Mission Control System-agnostic interfaces for data archiving and dissemination
Define common information models, APIs, and interaction patterns for mission control environments
Implement and validate solutions within the Pulse ecosystem
Apply AI-assisted software engineering and rapid prototyping techniques
Maintain reliability, traceability, and cybersecurity through security-by-design principles

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be a university student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a Master's-level university course
Must be able to prove enrollment at the 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
Knowledge or academic specialisation in system and software security engineering, security risk analysis, network security, or secure communication protocols
Basic cryptography knowledge is a strong 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; applicants from Canada, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Malta may also apply under the stated cooperating-state arrangements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusiveness
Workplace support and accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Recruitment-process assistance from Human Resources for individuals with disabilities
Internship conditions provided by ESA
Exposure to post-quantum cryptography research, space communications security, mission control systems, and AI-assisted software engineering