Giant Leap Trainee, Natural Sciences/Technology

Are you ready to take a Giant Leap? We are looking for a Natural Sciences or Technology Intern for our Giant Leap program – a project-based internship in our HQ in Vantaa. In this "Sensor Stability vs Visual Appearance: Correlation Analysis" project, you will investigate how the visual appearance of newly developed sensors relates to their performance under harsh conditions, combining handson testing with data analysis. You will get to do real scientist work: planning and running experiments in the lab, analyzing results and drawing conclusions from your own data. As a Giant Leaper, you will get your own project to lead for three months, starting in June. 

Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence helping industries, nations, people, and the planet to thrive. From predicting hurricanes to optimizing renewable energy production, our technology is used where it matters the most – from data centers, windfarms and laboratories to airports, the Arctic and even the surface of Mars. For a second year running, Vaisala got recognized in TIME Magazine's World's Best Companies in Sustainable Growth 2026 study. Our team of close to 2,500 experts and 62 nationalities around the world is committed to taking every measure for the planet. Driven by our shared purpose, curiosity, and pioneering spirit, we stay ahead and make a difference. At Vaisala, you don't have to fit in to belong. 

Giant Leap is a unique opportunity for you to be the project manager of your own project, with the support of your teammates and project supervisor. Every year, these projects are carefully selected by our leadership teams, meaning that you get to work on real-life questions that are important for us as a company.  

We invest in your growth with training sessions throughout the summer. Along with lessons from your own field and work life in general, you have a chance to learn, for instance, presentation skills, project management and problem solving. Connections built with fellow Giant Leapers, Vaisala’s brilliant experts and our leadership form an invaluable network for your career. Many of our former Giant Leapers have also gone on to build impressive careers at Vaisala after the program. 

What will your summer look like? 

During the summer, you will: 

• Plan and carry out stability tests for new sensors under demanding conditions. 

• Examine sensors using microscopy and apply statistical analysis to explore how visual features correlate with sensor performance. In addition, there may be an opportunity to explore AI-based approaches for analyzing sensor images. 

• Summarize your findings into clear recommendations for factory visual inspection criteria. 

The project helps Vaisala optimize quality control and reduce unnecessary scrap, supporting both cost efficiency and sustainability. You will be working as part of a technology development project, with a dedicated supervisor and supportive colleagues. Some data analysis tasks can be done remotely, but laboratory testing requires your presence at the Vaisala Vantaa office. 

What kind of skillset are we looking for? 

We are looking for a student who: 

• Is pursuing a master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, data science, or a related field. 

• Is comfortable working in a laboratory environment; experience with microscopy and handling chemicals is considered an advantage 

• Has some experience in statistical data analysis. 

• Documents their work clearly and systematically, and takes work safety seriously 

• Above all, we value a curious mind and a genuine eagerness to learn more. 

Are you ready to take a Giant Leap? 

Please apply by February 1, 2026, and include your CV. 
We’d also love to hear what inspired you to apply for this role and to Vaisala in a brief cover letter.  
 

Schedule and steps of the recruitment process: 

• Application period: January 12 – February 1 

• Invitations to the interview events: during week 6  

• Interview events at Vaisala, Vantaa (F2F): week 7 
  
  

If you want to know more, feel free to reach out to the project supervisor Karoliina Hakamaa via email firstname.lastname@vaisala.com. Please note that applications sent via email cannot be processed due to privacy reasons. Kindly note that we are not able to provide support in relocation or work permit-related matters. 

Interested in learning more about Vaisala and our Giant Leap program? Join us at Career Night on 20 January 2026, 16:30–19:00 at our Vantaa HQ to meet experts and explore real projects you could work on this summer. Read more and register to the event: www.vaisala.com/careernight