Internship | Design of phased array in E-Band for future SATCOM applications

Future satellite communication systems need to transmit increasingly large amounts of data. Moving towards higher frequencies, such as E-band, can provide the required capacity, but it also creates new challenges for antenna design. The antennas must generate highly directional beams, scan over a wide angular range and operate efficiently despite the losses associated with these frequencies.

This internship focuses on the development of a novel antenna array for future E-band satellite communication systems. You will work with our antenna research team to investigate different array technologies and identify promising solutions for efficient, wide-angle beam scanning. Your work will contribute to the development of advanced antenna systems that can support future high-capacity satellite links.

You will be part of a collaborative research environment where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are welcomed and you will have the opportunity to further develop your expertise in antenna design and electromagnetic simulation.

During this internship, you will investigate and compare different phased-array antenna technologies suitable for E-band satellite communications. You will assess their expected performance and explore the main trade-offs related to efficiency, scanning range, complexity and practical implementation.

Based on this analysis, you will select one or more promising concepts and design antenna elements that can operate efficiently while supporting a wide beam-scanning range. You will use electromagnetic software simulators (e.g. Ansys HFSS or CST studio suite) to model, simulate and optimize the proposed designs.

The internship will include different phases, such as:

• Reviewing relevant antenna-array technologies and design approaches;
• Defining performance requirements and comparison criteria;
• Modelling and comparing suitable array concepts;
• Designing and optimizing wide-scanning antenna elements in CST;
• Evaluating parameters such as efficiency, impedance matching, radiation pattern and scanning performance;
• Documenting the results and presenting recommendations for further development.

The exact focus of the assignment can be refined together based on your interests, background and the results obtained during the first stages of the internship.

By the end of the internship, you will have developed practical experience in antenna-array design, electromagnetic simulation, technical decision-making and the communication of research results. Your findings will support the selection and development of antenna technologies for future satellite communication systems. This internship is in the framework of a project between TNO and Viasat.

For this internship, we are looking for a university student pursuing a M.Sc. degree with a background in electrical engineering, telecommunications, applied physics or a related discipline. Knowledge of antennas, electromagnetics, microwave engineering or phased arrays will help you get started.

Experience with Matlab and/or Python, Ansys HFSS and/or CST studio suite or the motivation to quickly develop them. It helps if you bring good communication skills, result driven attitude, and focused in problem solving, but we are happy to support you in developing areas you want to learn more about. What matters most is that you are motivated to develop these skills and are interested in applying theoretical knowledge to a practical antenna-design challenge.

The intended duration of the internship is 9 months, with some flexibility depending on the requirements of your study program.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

You can apply for this internship position until the 18th of September, 2026. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) following a security screening. In any case, please note that this process has an average duration of approximately 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, this process may take longer. For more information, please visit the AIVD website.

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.