The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in Real Estate and Facilities Management at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Porz-Wahn, Germany. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST, and the internship is open to university students who are nationals of ESA's participating states. 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
This internship sits in ESA's Resources and Services directorate and is based at the European Astronaut Centre. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21003
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Resources and Services
📍 Workplace: Porz-Wahn, DE
🏗️ Location: EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany
📣 Publication method: External Only
🗓️ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Be Based: The European Astronaut Centre
The internship is located at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Porz-Wahn, Germany. The vacancy describes the centre as being in Cologne and as a dynamic, international working environment that supports human spaceflight activities, astronaut operations, training and research.
Our Team and Mission: Real Estate and Facility Management at EAC
The Real Estate and Facility Management team at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne is responsible for creating, maintaining and continuously enhancing a safe, efficient and attractive working environment.
The team coordinates facility management services, workplace and accommodation activities and building-related projects, and it works with a wide range of internal and external partners.
What Working in This Team Gives You
As part of the team, you will gain valuable insight into the day-to-day management and ongoing development of an operational European Space Agency site. You will collaborate closely with the Site Manager, facility management service providers, building users and a variety of technical and organisational stakeholders, contributing to the effective operation and continuous improvement of the Centre.
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Your Responsibilities During the Internship
During your internship, you will support the day-to-day facility, workplace and site management activities at the European Astronaut Centre. Your responsibilities may include:
🧰 supporting the coordination and follow-up of facility management services and service providers
🪑 assisting with workplace and accommodation management activities, including workplace allocation, occupancy planning and implementation measures
🔧 contributing to the coordination and monitoring of minor works, maintenance activities and site improvement projects
📝 supporting the preparation and follow-up of meetings, action items, inspections and other operational site management activities
📊 assisting in the collection, monitoring and analysis of workplace and facility management data
💬 supporting communication and coordination with building users, service providers and other internal and external stakeholders
🌱 contributing to site development activities and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the workplace environment and operational efficiency
What You Will Learn
Through this internship, you will gain practical experience in facility, workplace and site management within an international organisation. You will develop an understanding of how a complex operational site is managed, how diverse stakeholders are coordinated and how workplace needs are translated into effective and sustainable solutions.
In addition, you will gain insight into the relationship between day-to-day operational activities and the planning and delivery of larger site development projects.
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an ESA internship lasts 3 to 6 months. Internships start from February 2027 onwards, and the exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
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.
Language Requirements
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.
Additional Requirements and Assets
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. The vacancy lists the following as assets:
📐 a background or academic knowledge in facility management, real estate management, architecture, civil engineering, industrial engineering, workplace management, or a related discipline
🧭 strong organisational and communication skills, combined with an interest in working in an international and operational environment
💻 proficiency in standard office software applications, together with an interest in data analysis, digital workplace solutions and facility management technologies
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
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
Selection Tests
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
How Many Vacancies You Can Apply For
ESA's 2027 student internship announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies.
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.
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.
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 are comparing traineeships and 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 Real Estate and Facilities Management internship based?
The internship is based at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Porz-Wahn, Germany, within ESA's Resources and Services directorate. The vacancy lists Porz-Wahn, DE as the workplace.
What will I do during the internship?
You will support the day-to-day facility, workplace and site management activities at the European Astronaut Centre. This includes coordinating facility management services, workplace allocation and occupancy planning, minor works and maintenance, meetings and inspections, data analysis and communication with building users and service providers.
Who can apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the whole 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.
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.
Which background is useful for this internship?
A background or academic knowledge in facility management, real estate management, architecture, civil engineering, industrial engineering, workplace management or a related discipline is considered an asset. Strong organisational and communication skills, proficiency in standard office software and an interest in data analysis, digital workplace solutions and facility management technologies are also listed as advantageous.
How long does the internship last?
According to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement, ESA internships last 3 to 6 months and start from February 2027 onwards. The start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many internship vacancies can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies, according to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement.
What happens after I apply?
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/Porz-Wahn-Intern-in-Real-Estate-and-Facilities-Management/1452794133/
🌐 European Space Agency: http://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 Human Resources (disability support and recruitment assistance): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
