The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for an intern in the Navigation Support Office of its Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany. The internship lasts 3 to 6 months, starts from February 2027 and is open to university students. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Internship at a Glance
🏛️ Organisation: European Space Agency (ESA)
🧭 Team: Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department, Navigation Support Office
🆔 Job requisition ID: 21144
🗂️ Directorate: Operations
📍 Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
⏱️ Duration: 3 to 6 months
📆 Start: from February 2027, with the exact start agreed with your ESA tutor
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Inside the Navigation Support Office
The intern joins a team responsible for providing the spatial and temporal reference that enables European space missions to determine their position, navigate accurately and maintain precise timing. The team supports missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon, delivering operational services, scientific expertise and advanced analysis capabilities that are essential for mission success.
A Global Infrastructure for Satellite Navigation and Geodesy
The team operates a global infrastructure for the collection, processing and analysis of satellite navigation and geodetic observations. By combining data from satellite navigation systems, laser ranging stations and other space geodetic techniques, it generates high-precision products used by space missions, scientific communities and international partners.
The team also contributes to the global geodetic infrastructure that underpins positioning, navigation and timing services worldwide.
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What You Could Work On as a Navigation Intern
As an intern, you are part of an international and multidisciplinary environment involving precise satellite navigation, space geodesy, orbit determination, data analysis and software development. Depending on the specific project, you may contribute to:
📊 Analysing satellite and space geodetic observation data
🧮 Developing or validating algorithms, models and software tools
🎯 Supporting the generation and assessment of high-precision navigation and geodetic products
🔭 Investigating satellite performance and orbit determination results
🤝 Collaborating with experts from universities, research institutes and international organisations
Operations and Research Under One Roof
You become part of a team that combines operational responsibility with research and innovation. The working environment offers exposure to real mission applications, international collaborations and state-of-the-art technologies supporting current and future European space missions.
Who Can Apply: Student Status and Study Level
The vacancy asks for a university student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a 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.
Languages: English or French
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.
Precise Navigation Knowledge Is an Asset
Knowledge and background in precise navigation topics such as orbit determination and geodesy are an asset. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Six Behavioural Competencies Behind the Role
The vacancy lists six ESA behavioural competencies. For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🏁 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🫂 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
Nationality Rules for This Internship
ESA considers applications only from nationals of one of these 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.
Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply, as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with the ESA tutor.
Limit: Two Applications Per Candidate
ESA's announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies. Choose the offers that fit your studies best.
Interview and Selection Tests
Your motivation for applying is explored during the interview. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also ask applicants to undergo selection tests.
Equal Opportunities and Support for Applicants with Disabilities
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within its workforce and to an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
ESA values diversity and welcomes people with disabilities. Whenever possible, it seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also assist during the recruitment process, and you can discuss this by email with the ESA internships team (the address is listed at the end of this post).
Does the Vacancy Mention Pay? Conditions and Disclaimer
The vacancy page does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA also notes that the information on its careers website about internship conditions is correct at the time of publication, is not exhaustive and may not address all questions you have.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Navigation Support Office internship take place?
The internship takes place at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany. The role belongs to the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department in the Operations Directorate.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with your ESA tutor.
What will an intern in the Navigation Support Office do?
Depending on the project, you may analyse satellite and space geodetic observation data, develop or validate algorithms, models and software tools, support the generation and assessment of high-precision navigation and geodetic products, investigate satellite performance and orbit determination results, and collaborate with experts from universities, research institutes and international organisations.
Who can apply for this internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities can apply?
ESA considers applications only from nationals of its 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. Applicants from Canada (Cooperating State) and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta (European Cooperating States) can apply as well.
Which languages do I need?
A good knowledge of English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Do I need a background in navigation or geodesy?
Knowledge and background in precise navigation topics such as orbit determination and geodesy are an asset. They are not listed as a requirement.
Can I apply for more than one ESA internship?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies, according to ESA's announcement.
Is the internship paid?
The vacancy page does not state an allowance. ESA notes that its published information on internship conditions is not exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Will there be selection tests?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and your motivation for applying will be explored during the interview.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (official vacancy): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Darmstadt-Intern-in-the-Ground-Systems-Engineering-&-Innovation-Department-Navigation-Support-Office/1452809533/
📢 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 internships contact: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
