The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Energy Storage Section of its Electrical Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: you would run battery simulations with an independent battery model and help advance Li-ion battery models for space, supported by experimental testing.
ESA Energy Storage Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21029
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🚀 Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Why Electric Energy Storage Matters for Space
Electric energy storage is crucial for all space applications. Batteries are used in launchers as well as in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and science spacecraft when energy from sunlight is unavailable.
The most important characteristic of a space battery is specific energy, measured in Wh/kg. Since most lithium-ion battery developments are currently happening for terrestrial applications, spin-in into the space sector is of utmost importance. Current developments aim to further improve the specific energy of new lithium-ion space batteries.
The Energy Storage Section: Team and Mission
The Energy Storage Section covers all aspects of energy storage for space applications, typically primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors.
The section is at the forefront of these developments, leading R&D activities, supporting space missions, and performing independent testing of novel battery technologies in its own battery test facility.
To assess the sizing and performance of batteries for different missions, an independent battery model has been developed and validated. This model will be used to simulate different cases that can occur on the battery during different mission phases.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in the Netherlands →
────────────────────────────────────────
Your Internship Project: Battery Simulations With an Independent Model
The aim of this opportunity is to perform battery simulations using the section's independent battery model, in close cooperation with the energy storage engineers and the power management engineers in the team.
The vacancy names four mission scenarios to simulate:
🚀 The launch phase.
⚠️ Failure cases.
🔥 Abusive conditions.
🔋 End-of-life performance.
Advancing the Battery Models With Test Data
A further task is to advance the battery models of the Energy Storage Section. Existing models shall be refined and optimised, and new models for new cell types or battery configurations may have to be developed.
These model developments will be supported by experimental testing at the section's own test facility. You will draw up test plans and work closely with all the Section members and the test facility team to implement the tests. The data will be assessed and the models built based on the experimental results.
Core Activities During the Internship
During your internship, you will work on the following core activities:
🛰️ Simulation of Li-ion space batteries performance during different space mission scenarios.
🧮 Modelling of Li-ion batteries for space applications.
🛠️ Refinement of cell and battery models and related documentation.
🧪 Definition and testing of battery cells and batteries.
📊 Evaluation of test results and extraction of test parameters.
📝 Writing a comprehensive report and presenting the work at the end of the project.
Possible Expansion of the Scope of Work
The scope of work could be expanded to cover the following:
🔬 Developing a new Li-Ion cell model.
💥 Li-ion battery abuse testing in space-relevant conditions.
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.
Technical Skills and Experience
You shall have a demonstrated knowledge of Li-Ion cell and battery technology modelling and simulation, along with relevant hands-on experience in testing, data processing and analysis. Knowledge and background in space batteries is an asset.
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.
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Behavioural Competencies
ESA assesses candidates against its Core Behavioural Competencies. The vacancy lists these six:
🎯 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 Can Apply?
Please note 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.
Duration, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities.
Selection Tests and Interview
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Export Control and Sanctions Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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.
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. The contact email for this 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 does not state an allowance 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 energy storage internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Energy Storage Section of ESA's Electrical Department in the Technology, Engineering and Quality directorate.
What does the Energy Storage Section do?
It covers all aspects of energy storage for space applications, typically primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors. It leads R&D activities, supports space missions, and performs independent testing of novel battery technologies in its own battery test facility.
What will I do during this internship?
You will perform battery simulations with the section's independent battery model, together with the energy storage and power management engineers. You will also help refine and optimise existing battery models, draw up test plans, and work with the test facility team to implement the tests.
Which mission scenarios will I simulate?
The vacancy names the launch phase, failure cases, abusive conditions and end-of-life performance.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year at Master's level, and you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship. You must also be a national of one of the States listed in the vacancy.
Which skills and experience do I need?
You shall have a demonstrated knowledge of Li-Ion cell and battery technology modelling and simulation, along with relevant hands-on experience in testing, data processing and analysis. Knowledge and background in space batteries is an asset.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of ESA 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 2027 student internships announcement, internships last 3 to 6 months and begin from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities, according to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA notes that the information on its careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication but is not intended to be exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (ESA vacancy 21029): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Electrical-Department-Energy-Storage-Section/1452881133/
📰 ESA Student Internships 2027: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌌 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 Contact for disability support: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
