The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Mechanisms Section (TEC-MSM) of its Mechanical 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 support the design, analysis, simulation and testing of space mechanisms, including hands-on work in the Space Mechanisms Hands-on Laboratory Facility at ESTEC.
ESA Mechanisms Section Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21050
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
🏷️ Vacancy title as published: Intern in the Mechanical Department - Mechanisms Section
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Inside the Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division
The Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division (TEC-MS) is the centre of competence of the Agency in all areas related to spacecraft and launcher structures, mechanisms, as well as materials and processes.
Within this frame, the Mechanism Section (TEC-MSM) is the focal point for matters relating to the design, engineering and verification of space mechanisms.
What the Mechanism Section Is Responsible For
The vacancy lists these responsibilities of the section:
🧩 Overall mechanisms definition, design and engineering.
📈 Mechanisms performance evaluation, simulation and analysis, including hardware tests where appropriate.
🔭 Mechanisms technology research and development.
🎛️ Mechanism and actuator drive and control concepts targeting higher positioning accuracy and/or lower micro-disturbances.
🎇 Pyrotechnics.
Technology Research Areas Behind the Internship
The mechanisms technology research and development of the section addresses areas such as:
🛢️ Tribology and lubrication engineering.
🪶 Tribology free and compliant mechanisms.
⚙️ Mechanical components including ball bearings and gears.
📡 Position sensors.
🔌 Electric motors.
🧲 New and alternative actuation principles, for example by using active and smart materials.
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What Your Internship Tasks May Include
You will be given some specific tasks, which may include:
🔍 Critical review of design, analysis, simulation, optimisation, test activities, characterisation and validation, up to the correlation of analysis with test results, in the domain of space mechanisms.
💡 Feasibility assessment of new mechanism design concepts.
🧪 Participation in the definition and implementation of R&D activities.
📋 Participation in the project review process.
🏗️ Participation in CDF (Concurrent Design Facility) studies.
🧰 Support of in-house research and technology investigations using hands-on laboratory facilities.
Software Tools You May Use
In the frame of these activities, you may have to use MATLAB/Simulink®, CAD design tools (such as FreeCAD or SolidWorks) or other more specialised software tools (such as Abaqus, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, ADAMS, LabVIEW, CABARET, RBS-DYN, OptiStruct, etc.).
Simulation and Analysis Focus Areas
The vacancy places particular emphasis on:
⏱️ Time and frequency domain performance representation and analysis.
🦾 Multi-body system modelling and simulation.
🧬 Design (including topology optimisation) and FEM analysis of compliant mechanisms.
🔋 Electromagnetic system modelling and simulation.
🌀 Multiphysics modelling and simulation.
🎱 Ball bearing loading/strength and stiffness analysis.
📊 Test data acquisition and post-processing.
Hands-on Laboratory and Additive Manufacturing
Furthermore, you may be involved in development, design, manufacturing and test activities using and extending the test benches of the Space Mechanisms Hands-on Laboratory Facility at ESTEC. You may also be involved in the prototyping of various mechanisms by utilising additive manufacturing capabilities available at ESTEC.
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.
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.
Languages and Interview
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 Considered an Asset
Specific competence in one of the following disciplines will be considered an asset:
🔧 Mechanical and mechatronics engineering, with a good understanding of tribology, ball bearings, gears, electrical motors, sensors, smart materials and compliant mechanisms, as well as of instrumentation and testing of electro-mechanical equipment.
💻 Proficiency in the use of engineering software tools would be very helpful.
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.
Export Control and Selection Tests
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
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.
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 Mechanisms Section internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Mechanical Department and the Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.
What does the Mechanism Section do?
The Mechanism Section (TEC-MSM) is the focal point for matters relating to the design, engineering and verification of space mechanisms. It covers mechanisms definition and design, performance evaluation and simulation, technology research and development, drive and control concepts, and pyrotechnics.
What tasks may I be given during the internship?
Tasks may include critical review of design, analysis, simulation, optimisation and test activities, feasibility assessment of new mechanism design concepts, participation in R&D activities, project reviews and CDF studies, and support of in-house research using hands-on laboratory facilities.
Which software tools may I use?
You may use MATLAB/Simulink®, CAD tools such as FreeCAD or SolidWorks, and specialised tools such as Abaqus, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, ADAMS, LabVIEW, CABARET, RBS-DYN and OptiStruct.
Will I work in a laboratory?
You may be involved in development, design, manufacturing and test activities using and extending the test benches of the Space Mechanisms Hands-on Laboratory Facility at ESTEC. You may also be involved in prototyping mechanisms with the additive manufacturing capabilities available at ESTEC.
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 background does ESA consider an asset?
Competence in mechanical and mechatronics engineering, with a good understanding of tribology, ball bearings, gears, electrical motors, sensors, smart materials and compliant mechanisms, as well as instrumentation and testing of electro-mechanical equipment, is an asset. Proficiency in engineering software tools would be very helpful.
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 21050): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Mechanical-Department-Mechanisms-Section/1452886133/
📰 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
