The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Robotics and IoT Lab at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Porz-Wahn, Germany, where you will work directly with a humanoid robot platform. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and eligibility rule below.
The Internship at a Glance
The internship sits within ESA's Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21125
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration
📍 Workplace: Porz-Wahn, DE
🗺️ Location: EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Robotics and IoT Lab and Its Mission
The Robotics & IoT Lab at the European Astronaut Centre focuses on advancing robotic systems and human-robot interaction in support of space exploration. Its work spans robotic autonomy, AI-supported decision-making, and XR-enabled control concepts.
Humanoid Robotics for Exploration Environments
This internship addresses humanoid robotics in environments relevant to exploration. The vacancy names three settings:
⛰️ Locomotion on uneven terrain in the lab's lunar analogue facility
🌑 Operation under extreme conditions like the lunar south pole
👥 Collaboration with humans in shared workspaces
XR-Based Teleoperation and Predictive Simulation
A particular focus is exploring XR-based teleoperation and supervision of humanoid robots, including predictive simulation approaches that compensate for pronounced communication delays in off-Earth scenarios.
Bringing Modern AI Into Control and Decision-Making
A key objective is to integrate modern AI methods into control and decision-making, enabling humanoid robots to adapt to unpredictable environments and support astronauts more effectively.
How the Project Supports ESA's Goals
The project contributes to ESA's efforts to bridge human presence, robotic autonomy, and immersive control systems. It strengthens Europe's expertise in humanoid robotics and human-robot teaming for future exploration missions.
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What You Will Do
You will work directly with a humanoid robot platform and support the development of control and interaction concepts in exploration-relevant scenarios. Your activities will include:
🦿 Programming locomotion and balance behaviours for humanoid robots on uneven terrain
🔦 Developing strategies for robot operation under constrained conditions (e.g. extreme lighting at the lunar south pole)
🥽 Exploring XR-based teleoperation and supervisory control, enabling intuitive interfaces for astronauts and operators
🧠 Exploring how AI techniques such as reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and predictive models can be applied to locomotion, teleoperation, and human-robot interaction
📡 Investigating predictive simulation and state estimation approaches to mitigate the effects of communication latency in off-Earth teleoperation
🛡️ Contributing to methods for human-robot interaction in shared tasks, including safety and usability considerations, using AI and traditional approaches
🧪 Supporting simulation, benchmarking, and hardware validation of behaviours and interaction methods
What You Will Learn
Your learning objectives are to:
🔩 Gain experience in humanoid robotics hardware, locomotion, and control stacks
⏱️ Understand the challenges of XR-based teleoperation with communication latency in off-Earth contexts
🧩 Learn how to combine AI methods and predictive simulation for robust autonomy and remote operation
🤝 Develop insight into human-robot teaming and interaction design for exploration scenarios
When the Internship Starts and How Long It Lasts
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.
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. 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.
Essential Background and Skills
The vacancy lists these essentials:
📚 Studies in robotics, computer science, mechatronics, AI, or a related engineering field
💻 Programming experience in current programming frameworks such as Python and C++
📐 Understanding of control principles, algorithms, and 3D mathematics
❤️ Interest in humanoid robotics, teleoperation, and human-robot interaction
🗂️ Experience with Git and collaborative coding
✨ Experience with agentic and AI-enhanced workflows
Desirable Experience
The vacancy also lists these desirable points:
🕶️ Familiarity with XR environments (VR/AR/MR) and their application to teleoperation
🎮 Experience with simulation environments (Isaac Sim, Omniverse, Gazebo, MuJoCo, or similar)
🎯 Exposure to reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or predictive simulation approaches
🔭 Curiosity about space robotics, comms latency challenges, and immersive control concepts
The Intern ESA Is Looking For
ESA is looking for a motivated intern who can apply both robotics fundamentals and creative approaches to XR-based teleoperation, human-robot interaction, and AI-supported control, helping the team explore how humanoid robots can best support future off-Earth missions.
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.
Eligible Nationalities
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.
Selection Process and Export Control
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. 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.
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. The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance; our guide to paid internships abroad explains how funded traineeships work. You can find more opportunities like this in the internships and traineeships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Robotics and IoT Lab internship based?
The internship is based at EAC in Porz-Wahn, Germany, within ESA's Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate. The vacancy lists Porz-Wahn, DE 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 will I work on during this internship?
You will work directly with a humanoid robot platform and support the development of control and interaction concepts for exploration scenarios. The vacancy lists seven activities, from programming locomotion and balance behaviours to supporting simulation, benchmarking, and hardware validation.
What is the focus of the Robotics and IoT Lab?
The Robotics & IoT Lab at the European Astronaut Centre advances robotic systems and human-robot interaction in support of space exploration. Its work spans robotic autonomy, AI-supported decision-making, and XR-enabled control concepts.
Which humanoid robot settings does the internship cover?
The vacancy names locomotion on uneven terrain in the lab's lunar analogue facility, operation under extreme conditions like the lunar south pole, and collaboration with humans in shared workspaces.
Which AI methods will I explore?
The vacancy names reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and predictive models. You will explore how they can be applied to locomotion, teleoperation, and human-robot interaction.
What does XR-based teleoperation involve here?
You will explore XR-based teleoperation and supervisory control that gives astronauts and operators intuitive interfaces. The work also covers predictive simulation and state estimation to reduce the effects of communication latency in off-Earth teleoperation.
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 the 27 States named in the vacancy, from Austria and Belgium to Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The full list is in the Eligible Nationalities section above.
Which skills and background do I need?
The vacancy lists studies in robotics, computer science, mechatronics, AI, or a related engineering field, programming experience in Python and C++, and an understanding of control principles, algorithms, and 3D mathematics. Interest in humanoid robotics, experience with Git and collaborative coding, and experience with agentic and AI-enhanced workflows are also listed.
Do I need experience with XR or simulation tools?
The vacancy lists familiarity with XR environments (VR/AR/MR) and experience with simulation environments such as Isaac Sim, Omniverse, Gazebo, or MuJoCo as desirable points. Exposure to reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or predictive simulation approaches is also desirable.
When does the internship start and how long does it last?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027, with the exact start date agreed with the ESA tutor.
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.
Is the internship paid?
The vacancy 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, and applicants must 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/Porz-Wahn-Intern-in-the-Robotics-and-IoT-Lab/1452995833/
📘 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
