The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Mission Operations Department, ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section, at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. The intern works on the ESA Link Budget Tool and on sustainability metrics for ESTRACK ground stations, and applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy and set out every duty, requirement and selection detail below.
The Vacancy at a Glance
The internship sits in ESA's Operations Directorate and is based at ESOC in Darmstadt. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21090
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Operations
📍 Workplace: Darmstadt, DE
📣 Publication method: External Only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: ESOC, Darmstadt
The internship is located at ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany. ESOC is the European Space Operations Centre, the control centre that ESA's tracking station network connects to the spacecraft it supports.
Our Team and Mission: ESTRACK, Europe's Ground Station Network
ESA's tracking station network (ESTRACK) is a global system of ground stations providing the vital link between spacecraft and ESOC. It is a critical part of Europe's space infrastructure and supports some of the Agency's most ambitious missions in science, exploration and space safety.
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Which Missions ESTRACK Supports
ESTRACK provides the essential ground infrastructure that enables ESA's missions to operate. The vacancy describes the range of spacecraft it serves:
🌐 spacecraft orbiting Earth
🔭 spacecraft travelling to the Lagrange points
🪐 missions exploring the Solar System
☀️ missions studying the Sun
🛡️ missions contributing to planetary defence
What the ESTRACK Network Is Made Of
The ESTRACK network brings together antennas located around the globe, communication systems, control and monitoring equipment, IT infrastructure and a wide range of supporting facilities. All of them work together to provide reliable and continuous services to spacecraft and mission operations.
What the Teams Are Responsible For
The teams ensure that this complex infrastructure remains safe, reliable and available 24/7. The vacancy lists the following responsibilities:
🛠️ operating and maintaining ground station systems
🗂️ managing assets and configurations
⬆️ supporting upgrades and obsolescence activities
♻️ continuously improving processes, technologies and ways of working across the network
Beyond Individual Missions: Autonomy and Cooperation
Beyond supporting individual missions, ESTRACK contributes to Europe's autonomy, resilience and ability to operate as a leading space power. Through cross-support agreements with international partners, the network also strengthens international cooperation, while enabling more efficient and sustainable space operations.
Who You Will Report To
You will report to the Head of the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section in the Ground Facilities Operations Division. This Section is responsible for the maintenance and operational management of the ESA Tracking Network (ESTRACK).
The ESA Link Budget Tool
The ESA Link Budget Tool is the reference tool of the European Space Operations Centre for the characterisation of the radio-frequency communication link between spacecraft and ground antenna. You will contribute to the continuous development, support and optimisation of the tool in a collaborative, user-focused environment.
A Sustainability Focus: The ESA Green Agenda
The role also focuses on assessing the environmental impact of ground station operations in line with the ESA Green Agenda initiatives. You will concentrate particularly on analysing data in terms of carbon footprint and providing concrete metrics and insights to guide future actions.
Key Responsibility 1: Expand the Link Budget Tool Catalogue
The first responsibility is to expand the Link Budget Tool catalogue for Near-Earth missions and ground stations. With the growing number and diversity of missions supported by ESA, you will contribute to expanding the tool's mission and ground-station catalogues.
🧾 analyse new requirements
🧪 perform testing
🚀 further enhance the tool's capabilities to support the Agency's evolving operational needs
Key Responsibility 2: Analyse Capacity and Optimise ESTRACK Scheduling
You will contribute to analysing ground-station capacity and workload, helping to identify opportunities to improve the allocation and utilisation of ESTRACK resources across missions. You will also support studies and development activities aimed at integrating the Link Budget Tool with the ground-station scheduling system, which allocates ESTRACK ground-station coverage to supported space missions.
Working With Ground Station and Mission Operations Teams
This activity involves close interaction with ground-station and mission operations teams. It offers a unique opportunity to understand and contribute to the end-to-end process of planning spacecraft communications.
Key Responsibility 3: Review and Assess Sustainability Measures at ESTRACK Ground Stations
You will evaluate existing and future sustainability initiatives and operational activities at selected ESTRACK ground stations. The vacancy names three areas of assessment:
📄 their documented environmental impact
⚡ their energy consumption
🔌 their effects on local energy grids
Analysing Data Against ISO 50001
You will analyse available data from past and ongoing sustainability measures to determine operational efficiency and alignment with ISO 50001 energy management standards.
Key Responsibility 4: Develop and Maintain Sustainability Metrics and Dashboards
You will design and maintain metrics in alignment with recognised sustainability standards. These metrics will help track the effectiveness of initiatives and demonstrate the tangible benefits of adopting sustainable practices.
Presenting the Results
You will present the results clearly for both internal use and external reporting, highlighting the positive environmental and operational impact.
How Long the Internship Lasts
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and can start from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Applying to More Than One Internship
According to the same announcement, a candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
Education Requirement
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.
Skills and Profile ESA Is Looking For
You should have a keen interest in sustainability, strong analytical skills and the ability to collaborate across different technical and administrative teams. The vacancy lists the following:
🐍 basic knowledge of Python programming code
🌦️ basic knowledge of atmospheric propagation
📊 familiarity with sustainability principles, carbon accounting, or environmental standards like energy management/ISO 50001
💪 being proactive, able to multitask and strongly self-motivated
💬 good communication skills for handling a broad range of interfaces and the ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
Interview and Motivation
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Working Languages
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.
Behavioural Competencies
Six behavioural competencies are listed. For more information, the vacancy refers candidates to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🎯 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🫱 Fostering Cooperation
🧩 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
Which Nationalities Can Apply
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.
🍁 Cooperating State: applicants from Canada can apply as well
🤲 European Cooperating States (ECS): applicants from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta can apply as well
Selection Tests
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Internship Conditions 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.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness at ESA
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Support for Applicants With Disabilities
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 its contact address is listed in the Links section below.
Applying Through the Official ESA Careers Page
Applications go through ESA's own careers website, and the full vacancy text is published there. If you want to know how we check that every listing has a working, official application route, our guide on how we verify every opportunity explains our process. If you are comparing internships abroad, our hub guide to how funded traineeships really work is a useful starting point.
Browse more internships and traineeships on Youth Works Hub →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA internship based?
The internship is based at ESOC, the European Space Operations Centre, in Darmstadt, Germany. The vacancy lists Darmstadt, DE as the workplace within ESA's Operations Directorate.
What will I work on during the internship?
You will contribute to the development, support and optimisation of the ESA Link Budget Tool, including expanding its mission and ground-station catalogues and analysing ESTRACK capacity and scheduling. You will also assess the environmental impact of ground station operations and develop sustainability metrics and dashboards.
What is the ESA Link Budget Tool?
It is the reference tool of the European Space Operations Centre for the characterisation of the radio-frequency communication link between spacecraft and ground antenna.
What is ESTRACK?
ESTRACK is ESA's tracking station network, a global system of ground stations providing the vital link between spacecraft and ESOC in Darmstadt. It brings together antennas around the globe, communication systems, control and monitoring equipment, IT infrastructure and supporting facilities.
Who will I report to?
You will report to the Head of the ESTRACK Stations and Infrastructure Section in the Ground Facilities Operations Division.
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 can apply?
Applications are only considered 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 can apply as well.
Which skills does the vacancy ask for?
The vacancy lists basic knowledge of Python programming code, basic knowledge of atmospheric propagation and familiarity with sustainability principles, carbon accounting, or environmental standards like energy management/ISO 50001. It also asks for a keen interest in sustainability, strong analytical skills and good communication skills.
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?
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and can start from February 2027. The start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many internships can I apply for?
According to the same announcement, a candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
Will there be tests or an interview?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026 (23:59 CET/CEST)
Links
🔗 Job description and application: https://jobs.esa.int/job/Darmstadt-Intern-in-the-Mission-Operations-Department-ESTRACK-Stations-and-Infrastructure-Section/1452802133/
🌐 European Space Agency: https://www.esa.int
🎓 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
📨 ESA Student Internships (disability support and recruitment assistance): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
