The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Infrastructure Department of its Space Transportation Directorate at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, where you choose one of three topics: engineering tools, AI applications or a maintenance planning tool for propulsion test facilities. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every topic, requirement and eligibility rule below.
The Vacancy at a Glance
The internship belongs to the Propulsion Test Facilities and Services team. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20971
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Space Transportation
📍 Workplace: Paris, FR
🗺️ Location: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Working at ESA Headquarters in Paris
The internship is located at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. The vacancy lists Paris, FR as the workplace for the role within the Space Transportation Directorate.
The Propulsion Test Facilities and Services Team
The Propulsion Test Facilities and Services team (STS-IF), part of the Infrastructure Department, is responsible for the stewardship of ESA-owned propulsion test facilities.
The vacancy describes the team's job as keeping these facilities, which are operated by industry and public-sector partners, fully operational and available to support current and future propulsion development activities.
Managing Facility Operators and Contracts
Besides keeping the facilities available, the team is responsible for setting up, managing and monitoring the contractual framework with the different facility operators.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed in the Links section below.
Choose Your Topic: Three Internship Options
The vacancy states that you can choose between three topics:
1️⃣ Topic 1: Maintenance and Enhancement of Pre-Engineering and Programme Management Tools
2️⃣ Topic 2: Identification of Artificial Intelligence Applications to streamline STS-IF activities
3️⃣ Topic 3: Development of a Maintenance Planning and Prioritisation Tool for Test Facilities
Topic 1: Maintaining and Upgrading Engineering and Programme Tools
In the first topic you contribute to the maintenance, enhancement and deployment of internal STS-IF pre-engineering and programme management tools by:
🔧 maintaining and upgrading STS-IF internal engineering and programme management tools
💻 ensuring that tools can be easily installed and operated on ESA workstations and, where appropriate, made accessible through web-based interfaces
🛡️ improving tool robustness and compatibility with evolving Windows, Python and Streamlit environments
✨ developing new functionalities and enhancing existing features/functions based on user needs
🤝 facilitating access to the tools for other ESA users
🎤 preparing and delivering demonstrations and presentations of new functionalities
🔍 assessing the feasibility of long-term maintenance of these tools by ESA IT services
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Topic 2: Finding Artificial Intelligence Applications for STS-IF
In the second topic you analyse STS-IF activities and develop proposals for the use of AI to improve efficiency and reduce administrative workload in areas such as:
✅ action tracking and follow-up
📑 preparation of presentations and briefing materials
🏷️ equipment price monitoring and market intelligence
📝 automated generation of status reports
Topic 3: Building a Maintenance Planning and Prioritisation Tool
In the third topic you design and develop a tool to support the management of propulsion test facility maintenance activities, including:
🗂️ recording main maintenance tasks and related cost estimates
⚖️ prioritising activities based on operational needs and available resources
📊 generating summaries and management reporting to support decision-making
Who Can Apply: University Students
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.
Skills That Count as an Advantage
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. The vacancy considers the following skills an advantage:
🐍 Python programming
🌊 knowledge of Streamlit
🧠 knowledge of AI
📌 knowledge of project management
💧 knowledge of fluid dynamics
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.
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy lists the following ESA core 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.
Which Nationalities Are Accepted
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.
Duration 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.
Application Limit per Candidate
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
Selection Tests and Export Control
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Equal Opportunities and Support for Disabilities
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.
Pay and Conditions: What the Vacancy Says
The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance. If you want to understand how funded internships abroad work, read our guide. ESA also notes that the information published on its careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication, 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 Propulsion Tests and Services internship based?
The internship is based at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, within the Infrastructure Department of ESA's Space Transportation Directorate. The vacancy lists Paris, FR 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 does the Propulsion Test Facilities and Services team do?
The team (STS-IF) is responsible for the stewardship of ESA-owned propulsion test facilities, which are operated by industry and public-sector partners. It keeps them operational and available for current and future propulsion development, and it sets up, manages and monitors the contractual framework with the facility operators.
Which topics can I choose from?
You can choose between three topics: maintenance and enhancement of pre-engineering and programme management tools, identification of Artificial Intelligence applications to streamline STS-IF activities, and development of a maintenance planning and prioritisation tool for test facilities.
What would I do in the AI topic?
You would analyse STS-IF activities and develop proposals for using AI to improve efficiency and reduce administrative workload. The vacancy names action tracking and follow-up, preparation of presentations and briefing materials, equipment price monitoring and market intelligence, and automated generation of status reports.
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 France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and 22 others named in the vacancy.
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 skills are an advantage?
The vacancy names Python programming, knowledge of Streamlit, knowledge of AI, knowledge of project management and knowledge of fluid dynamics. Your motivation for applying to the role will also be explored during the interview.
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.
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.
Is the internship paid?
The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance.
What happens during the selection process?
ESA may ask applicants to undergo selection tests, and your motivation for applying will be explored during the interview. Applicants must also be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Paris-Intern-in-the-Infrastructure-Department-Propulsion-Tests-and-Services/1452790433/
📘 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: http://www.esa.int
📧 ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
