The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Microwave Instruments Section in its Future Missions and Architecture 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: the internship topic is Performance Analysis Support for Sentinel-6 Next Generation, the follow-on to the Copernicus radar altimetry reference mission for sea level.
ESA Microwave Instruments Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21178
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🌍 Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Microwave Instruments Section: Team and Mission
The Microwave Instruments Section is part of the Future Missions and Instruments Division, Future Missions and Architecture Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Within the Division, the Section is responsible for the definition, engineering, technology breadboarding and pre-development of active and passive microwave instruments for future Earth Observation missions. These include:
🔬 Research missions, for example Earth Explorers and Missions of Opportunity.
🛰️ Operational missions, for example Earth Watch, Copernicus and meteorology missions.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
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🌍 All opportunities in the Netherlands →
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Topic of the Internship: Performance Analysis Support for Sentinel-6 Next Generation
The vacancy gives the topic of the internship as Performance Analysis Support for Sentinel-6 Next Generation.
Why Sea Level Measurements Matter
Sea level rise is a powerful climate indicator, since it is the result of changes occurring in Earth's climate system. It also poses a great threat to coastal communities and is therefore an important global concern for governments and policymakers.
From Sentinel-6 to Sentinel-6 Next Generation
Copernicus Sentinel-6 first generation is the radar altimetry reference mission to provide sea-surface height measurements until at least 2030. To continue this legacy, the Sentinel-6 Next Generation mission is currently being developed.
What You Will Do During the Internship
You will support the Sentinel-6 Next Generation international development in two ways:
🛠️ Extend and improve the performance software tool for engineering and geophysical parameters.
📊 Support the study team with the analysis and comparison of different performance parameters.
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 and Interview 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.
Skills and Background That Count as an Asset
Knowledge and background in the following areas is an asset:
🐍 Python
📡 Radar signal processing
🌊 Radar altimeters
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
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
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 Microwave Instruments Section internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Microwave Instruments Section of ESA's Future Missions and Architecture Department, part of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
What does the Microwave Instruments Section do?
The Section is responsible for the definition, engineering, technology breadboarding and pre-development of active and passive microwave instruments for future Earth Observation research missions, such as Earth Explorers and Missions of Opportunity, and operational missions, such as Earth Watch, Copernicus and meteorology missions.
What is the topic of the internship?
The topic is Performance Analysis Support for Sentinel-6 Next Generation. Sentinel-6 first generation is the Copernicus radar altimetry reference mission providing sea-surface height measurements until at least 2030, and the Sentinel-6 Next Generation mission is currently being developed to continue that legacy.
What will I work on during the internship?
You would support the Sentinel-6 Next Generation international development by extending and improving the performance software tool for engineering and geophysical parameters. You would also support the study team with the analysis and comparison of different performance parameters.
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 are an asset?
Knowledge and background in Python, radar signal processing and radar altimeters 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.
Do I need to be eligible for export control and sanctions regulations?
Yes. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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 21178): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Future-Missions-and-Architecture-Department-Microwave-Instruments-Section/1452877933/
📰 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
