The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in its Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department at ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, with two topics to choose from: a 3D space operations visualisation platform or communication and community building for space innovation. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
About the Ground Systems Engineering and Innovation Department
The department is responsible for all the ground systems engineering and support activities required to support mission operations and to implement innovation. It maintains and manages a full level of competences, technologies and services in all engineering disciplines related to ground systems, infrastructure, technology evolution and Engineering R&T and innovation.
It provides expert support to the Directorate of Operations for all current and potential missions. In the role of architect, it leads ground systems evolution and innovation implementation in the infrastructure and for other ESA programmes. The department is also responsible for the overall technical innovation and technical standardisation coordination for the ground segment.
Five Domains of Expertise
The department relies on these domains of expertise:
🛰️ Ground Station Engineering
🧭 Flight Dynamics and Mission Analysis
🗄️ Mission Operations Data Systems Engineering
📡 Navigation Support
🔧 Multi-Mission Infrastructure: Ground Segment Integration and Testing
Internship at a Glance
🏢 Organisation: European Space Agency (ESA)
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🧩 Department: Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department, Directorate of Operations
📍 Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
🔢 Job Requisition ID: 21140
🌐 Publication method: External only
⏱️ Duration: 3 to 6 months
📆 Start: from February 2027, with the exact start date agreed with your ESA tutor
🎯 Topics: Visualisation platform (Topic 1) or Communication and community building (Topic 2)
Choose Your Topic
The vacancy states that you can choose among two topics. Topic 1 is a Mission-Agnostic Space Operations Visualisation Platform. Topic 2 is Communication and Community Building for Space Innovation. Both sit in the same department, and each has its own tasks and its own skills that count as an asset.
Topic 1: Mission-Agnostic Space Operations Visualisation Platform
Modern mission operations require intuitive ways to explore and understand complex information. In this topic, you will help extend an existing visualisation tool with additional features and data integrations, to support mission planning, spacecraft monitoring and training activities.
You will contribute to the development of an advanced 3D visualisation platform for space missions operations. This includes displaying spacecraft trajectories, communication networks, events and operational annotations in a clear and engaging way.
What You Gain in Topic 1
Throughout the internship, you will gain experience in:
🕶️ Developing interactive 3D and virtual reality applications
🔌 Integrating and visualising operational data from different sources
👁️ Designing features that improve situational awareness and decision making
🎮 Working with modern game engines, such as Godot
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Topic 2: Communication and Community Building for Space Innovation
The OPS-GA Division develops a variety of innovative projects that support ESA's mission operations activities in areas such as data, artificial intelligence, software engineering and digital transformation. Many of these projects are released under an ESA Community Licence to encourage collaboration and enable external communities to contribute, learn and innovate alongside ESA.
In this topic, you will help increase the visibility and impact of these projects by developing communication strategies, creating engaging content and identifying effective channels for outreach. Working closely with technical teams and communication specialists, you will transform complex engineering concepts into clear and compelling messages tailored to different audiences.
What You Will Do in Topic 2
As part of these activities, you will:
🌐 Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of project websites
📝 Document communication activities
🖼️ Support the creation of presentations and promotional material
📘 Help define communication guidelines that can be applied across multiple projects
What You Gain in Topic 2
Throughout the internship, you will gain experience in:
📣 Developing communication strategies for innovative space and technology projects
💬 Translating complex technical concepts into engaging and accessible narratives
🤝 Working with technical experts and communication professionals to promote project outcomes
🤖 Understanding how AI, data and innovation projects contribute to ESA mission operations
📈 Measuring and documenting the impact of communication and outreach activities
Who Can Apply: Education
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.
Nationality Requirement
The vacancy states that 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, together with those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Languages
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Skills That Count as an Asset
🎮 Topic 1: experience with 3D graphics or visualisation software, such as game engines like Godot, Unreal Engine or Unity.
🗣️ Topic 2: the ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences through presentations, web content and other communication materials.
Behavioural Competencies
ESA assesses candidates against its Core Behavioural Competencies, and the vacancy refers applicants to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook for more information. The competencies listed for this internship are:
🏆 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🤲 Fostering Cooperation
🔗 Relationship Management
♻️ Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
Interview and Selection Tests
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.
Duration, Start and Number of Applications
According to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The starting date is determined together with your ESA tutor. A candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship 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.
The Agency 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 provide assistance during the recruitment process, and the contact email is listed at the end of this post.
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. The vacancy page does not state a stipend for this internship.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Visualisation and Communication internship take place?
The internship takes place at ESOC, ESA's operations centre, in Darmstadt, Germany. It is part of the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department in the Directorate of Operations.
What are the two topics of this internship?
Topic 1 is the Mission-Agnostic Space Operations Visualisation Platform, which focuses on 3D and virtual reality tools for mission operations. Topic 2 is Communication and Community Building for Space Innovation, which focuses on promoting the department's innovation projects.
Who can apply for this ESA internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year at Master's level. You must also prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities are accepted?
Applications are only considered from nationals of the listed ESA 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 experience with game engines for Topic 1?
Experience with 3D graphics or visualisation software, such as Godot, Unreal Engine or Unity, is an asset for Topic 1. It is not described as a strict requirement.
What helps my application for Topic 2?
The ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences through presentations, web content and other communication materials is an asset. The topic itself involves communication strategies, content creation, project websites and communication guidelines.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
According to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships, it lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The start date is determined with your ESA tutor.
Can I apply to more than one ESA internship?
A candidate can apply to a maximum of 2 internship vacancies, according to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships.
Does the vacancy state a stipend?
No. The vacancy text does not state a stipend or any other financial support for this internship.
What happens after I apply?
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. The Agency may also request applicants to undergo selection tests.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Darmstadt-Intern-in-the-Ground-Systems-Engineering-&-Innovation-Department-Visualisation-and-Communication/1452808133/
📰 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🏛️ Department information: https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/gse/Building_infrastructure_on_Earth_to_support_satellites_in_space
🌐 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 Contact for assistance during the recruitment process: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
