The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in its Mission Operations Department at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, focused on web-based operations tools for spacecraft flight control teams. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and university students from ESA's participating states can apply. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and selection detail below.
The Internship 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: 21131
🎓 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. The vacancy lists Darmstadt, DE as the workplace for the role within the Operations directorate.
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Our Team and Mission: Operations Definition and Engineering
The Operations Definition and Engineering Team is an expert team responsible for providing Ground Segment and Operations support throughout the early phases of missions, including participation in CDF and phase A/B1. The team also provides expertise to other projects and studies, including research and development of tools and methods for operations, and providing operations to non-traditional missions.
🛰️ Missions currently supported: Cluster (disposal phase), SpaceRider, Plasma Observatory and Henon
Your Division: Solar System & Exploration Missions
During your internship, you will be assigned to the Solar System & Exploration Missions Division, which is responsible for operating the spacecraft of the Agency's interplanetary fleet.
What You Will Work On: Web-Based Operations Tools
Your assignment will focus primarily on the creation and extension of web-based operations tools which will support the flight control teams and spacecraft controllers in the execution of their daily work.
Backend and Frontend Development
The vacancy splits the development work into two parts. On the backend, you will design and develop functionalities for the retrieval, processing and generation of operational planning information and spacecraft configuration data. On the frontend, you will build features for the appropriate visualisation and modification of that data.
Your Tasks Step by Step
The work involves tasks such as:
🔍 assessment of relevant existing tools and functionalities within the division
📝 collection of user requirements
🧠 devising a concept and software architecture to support the identified requirements
🧪 implementation and testing of the identified solution(s)
Education Requirement
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.
Internship Length and Start Date
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.
How Many Vacancies You Can Apply To
The same announcement states that one candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
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.
Skills That Would Be an Asset
Knowledge and experience in the following areas would be an asset:
🐍 Python, Javascript or other programming languages
🗄️ back-end development, e.g. Django
🖥️ front-end development, e.g. Angular
🌐 Web Server Architecture
🔌 REST APIs
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
The Selection Process
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also 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.
Browse more internships and traineeships on Youth Works Hub →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Web-Based Operations Tools internship based?
The internship is based at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, within ESA's Operations directorate. The vacancy lists Darmstadt, DE as the workplace.
What will I work on during the internship?
You will work in the Solar System & Exploration Missions Division on the creation and extension of web-based operations tools that support flight control teams and spacecraft controllers in their daily work. This includes backend functionalities for operational planning information and spacecraft configuration data, and frontend features to visualise and modify that data.
What tasks does the internship include?
The vacancy lists four kinds of tasks: assessing relevant existing tools and functionalities within the division, collecting user requirements, devising a concept and software architecture, and implementing and testing the identified solutions.
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. 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 ESA's participating 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, Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta can apply as well.
Do I need to know Python or web development?
Python, Javascript or other programming languages, back-end development (e.g. Django), front-end development (e.g. Angular), web server architecture and REST APIs are listed as an asset. They strengthen an application but are not stated as strict requirements.
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 is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027, with the exact start date agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many internships can I apply for?
One candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship vacancies, according to ESA's announcement.
What happens during the selection process?
Your motivation for applying to the role will be explored during the interview, and the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
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-Web-Based-Operations-Tools/1452807333/
📢 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌌 European Space Agency: http://www.esa.int
📨 ESA Human Resources (disability support and recruitment assistance): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
