The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Vega-E Programme Division of its Space Transportation Directorate at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, where you will develop and validate engineering models of the MR10 and MR60 liquid rocket engines and the Vega-E Liquid Propulsion Module. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and university students from ESA's listed nationalities can apply. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every task and requirement below.
The Internship at a Glance
The internship sits in ESA's Space Transportation Directorate. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20976
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Space Transportation
📍 Workplace: Frascati, IT
🗺️ Location: ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: ESRIN, Frascati
The internship is located at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. The vacancy lists Frascati, IT as the workplace.
Our Team and Mission: Space Transportation Flight Programmes
Under the direct authority of D/STS, the Head of the Space Transportation Flight Programmes is responsible in particular for:
🧩 preparing and implementing the Space Transportation Flight Programmes
🚀 leading the development activities related to Ariane, Vega and Space Rider and managing the exploitation accompaniment of the related flight programmes, except those entrusted to other departments
🛠️ complementing the Ariane 6 development and implementing the Ariane 6 Competitiveness improvement programme, implementing Prometheus as from the Ariane 6 Maiden Flight onwards and implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Ariane 6 exploitation
🛰️ complementing the Vega C development, implementing the Vega C Competitiveness improvement programme and the Vega Evolution preparatory activities, implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Vega C exploitation
🔥 completing the development of the P120C and preparing and implementing activities related to solid propulsion of the products and systems described above
🗄️ establishing the Launch System Master Files resulting from the Ariane 6 and Vega C developments
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed in the Links section below.
Field of Activity: Engineering Tools for Liquid Rocket Engines
Within the framework of the VEGA-E programme, the development of engineering tools is necessary to ensure continuous monitoring of the design loops of liquid rocket engines. The proposed internship is related to the development and validation of engineering models at both engine level (for the MR10 and MR60 engines) and stage level for the VEGA-E LPM (Liquid Propulsion Module).
You will use state-of-the-art modelling tools to develop or extend the mathematical models of the aforementioned systems. These models will then be validated using available test results.
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in Italy →
────────────────────────────────────────
How the Internship Is Structured: Three Phases
The vacancy describes the internship in three parts:
📘 Initial training phase: you will be expected to become familiar with Liquid Rocket Engines (in particular MR10 and MR60) and propulsion systems (LPM), the modelling of their main elements using the EcosimPro software platform and the models already developed.
🧪 Second part: dedicated to the extension and validation of the dedicated engine and system models, using available experimental data.
📊 Final phase: you will carry out data analysis and draft reports.
Who You Will Work With
During this activity, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the IPT propulsion specialists and gain a broader understanding of the VEGA Space Transportation System.
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy lists six behavioural competencies:
🎯 Result Orientation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
🤲 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
♻️ Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Education: Who Can Apply
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Language Requirements
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Additional Requirements: Knowledge and Background
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. The vacancy lists the following as an asset:
💧 knowledge and background in Rocket Propulsion
🌀 knowledge and background in Fluid Dynamics
🌡️ knowledge and background in Thermodynamics
♨️ knowledge and background in Heat Transfer
Preferred Commitment: Six Months
Due to the nature of the post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on the candidate's availability.
Nationality Requirements
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: 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.
Export Control and Sanctions
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
The Selection Process
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
How Long the Internship Lasts and When It Starts
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency, diversity is valued and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process, and you can contact ESA by email using the address in the Links section below.
Important Information
The information published on ESA's careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. You can find more opportunities like this in the internships and traineeships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Vega-E Programme Division internship based?
The internship is based at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, within ESA's Space Transportation Directorate. The vacancy lists Frascati, IT as the workplace.
What is the deadline to apply?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. Applications are submitted through the ESA careers website.
What will I work on during the internship?
You will develop and validate engineering models at engine level (for the MR10 and MR60 engines) and at stage level for the VEGA-E LPM (Liquid Propulsion Module). You will use state-of-the-art modelling tools to develop or extend the mathematical models, which are then validated using available test results.
How is the internship structured?
It starts with a training phase to become familiar with liquid rocket engines, the LPM and the EcosimPro software platform. The second part covers the extension and validation of the engine and system models using experimental data, and the final phase covers data analysis and drafting reports.
Who will I work with?
You will collaborate closely with the IPT propulsion specialists and gain a broader understanding of the VEGA Space Transportation System.
Who can apply for this internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities are eligible?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's listed States: 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.
Which background does the vacancy value?
Knowledge and background in Rocket Propulsion, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer are an asset. During the interview, your motivation for applying to the role will be explored.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor. For this post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on your availability.
How many ESA internship vacancies can I apply for?
One candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies, according to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy page does not state a stipend or allowance.
What happens during the selection process?
Your motivation for applying to the role will be explored during the interview. ESA may also ask applicants to undergo selection tests, and applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Frascati-Intern-in-the-Vega-E-Programme-Division/1452793133/
📘 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
