The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Common Services Section of its Mission Management and Ground Segment Department at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, where you will help validate a monitoring and reporting platform for Earth Observation data services. 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 Earth Observation Programmes Directorate. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21171
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
🏢 Department: Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Common Services Section
📍 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, ESA's Earth Observation Centre in Frascati, near Rome in Italy. The vacancy lists Frascati, IT as the workplace.
Our Team and Mission: The Mission Management and Ground Segments Department
Under the direct authority of the Director of Earth Observation Programmes, the Head of the Mission Management and Ground Segments Department is responsible for two things:
🛰️ the management of the Earth Observation missions handled by ESA in their Phase E2
🖥️ the design, development and operation of the related Payload Data Ground Segments (PDGS), as well as the related data management
The Four Units Supporting the Head of Department
In executing these functions, the Head of Department is supported by:
🔎 the Mission Management and Product Quality Division (EOP-GM)
🌱 the Copernicus Ground Segment and Data Management Division (EOP-GC)
🗂️ the ESA Ground Segment and Data Management Division (EOP-GE)
📋 the Project Control and Management Support Office (EOP-GP)
Your Section: Common Services (EOP-GES)
Under the ESA Ground Segment and Data Management Division, the Common Services section (EOP-GES) is responsible for:
📡 Earth Observation data management through the design, implementation and operations of data acquisition, generation, access and archiving services to users, including the day-to-day interface to the users
🧠 the evolution of the Earth Observation data management concept and architecture in response to emerging operational needs, including specific R&D projects
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed in the Links section below.
Background: Why Earth Observation Monitoring Matters Now
The Earth Observation domain is exceptionally relevant at this time, becoming determinant in the definition of earth models for the prediction of environmental changes and at the same time the identification of factors that could reduce their impact. The science community is confronted with a challenge for which it is critical to provide all the necessary elements for effective research. The increased amount of information and data available is creating the need to follow the scientific community closely and timely, and to react promptly to incoming needs.
A close monitoring of the services deployed in the Earth Observation Framework for the handling of data management, namely generation, archival and dissemination, is the only means of following user behaviour closely and coming back with proper solutions.
Applying modern technology, a service for the monitoring of all functions deployed, together with a set of timely populated dashboards and the regular generation of reports, allows for faster reaction to issues or demand changes.
In this particular case, ESA is looking for a young expert who can support the validation, identify improvements and support the further evolution of the approach in the collection, management and visualisation of metrics derived from all the operational services.
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Objective: Validate the Monitoring and Reporting Platform
Your objective is to validate the platform under development for the monitoring and reporting of the Earth Observation Framework for Science missions.
Who You Will Work With
Your interfaces are ESA employees and possibly the industrial engineering teams involved in the relevant projects.
What You Will Do: Your Tasks
The vacancy describes the work as follows:
📚 You will initially familiarise yourself with the context, including basic concepts of data management and discovery.
🛠️ You will participate in the design and deployment of the platform and its sub-components.
🧪 Based on a defined set of use cases and scenarios, you will support the team in testing, debugging and improving existing systems.
📈 If time allows, you will deepen your involvement by proposing additional mechanisms for collecting, aggregating and analysing digital data to track system health, performance and availability.
👥 You will assess the application in terms of user experience and determine possible improvements by consulting with stakeholders (operational team, management leaders, service managers).
🎤 You will present findings and project results to team members, stakeholders and leadership.
📝 You will produce a final report of the obtained results.
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 asks for knowledge and background in the following areas:
💻 good programming (e.g. scripting) skills and/or data management skills
🔬 knowledge of information management and its application for data analytics is an asset
🧭 familiarity with project/service management principles
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.
Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
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 Common Services Section internship based?
The internship is based at ESRIN in Frascati, Italy, within ESA's Earth Observation Programmes 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 is the objective of the internship?
The objective is to validate the platform under development for the monitoring and reporting of the Earth Observation Framework for Science missions. The platform collects, manages and visualises metrics derived from all the operational services.
What will I work on during the internship?
You will familiarise yourself with data management and discovery concepts, take part in the design and deployment of the platform and its sub-components, and support the team in testing, debugging and improving existing systems based on defined use cases and scenarios. You will also assess the application in terms of user experience, present your findings to team members, stakeholders and leadership, and produce a final report.
Who will I work with?
Your interfaces are ESA employees and possibly the industrial engineering teams involved in the relevant projects. You will consult stakeholders such as the operational team, management leaders and service managers when assessing the user experience.
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, which include Italy, Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and 22 others named in the vacancy. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State, and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States, can apply as well.
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.
Which skills does the vacancy ask for?
The vacancy asks for good programming (e.g. scripting) skills and/or data management skills, and familiarity with project/service management principles. Knowledge of information management and its application for data analytics is an asset.
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 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.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Frascati-Intern-in-the-Mission-Management-and-Ground-Segment-Department-Common-Services-Section/1452876433/
📘 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
