The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Opto-Electronics Section 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 laboratory activities on lasers, detectors, lidars and free-space optical communications, working with the section that develops and characterises photonic components for ESA projects.
ESA Opto-Electronics Internship at a Glance
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21043
🎓 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 - Opto-Electronics Section
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
What the Optoelectronics Section Does
The Optoelectronics Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments. These include detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.
Support to ESA Projects and Technological Research
In these areas, the section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research. It is also developing and operating laboratory test setups and simulation tools.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is linked at the end of this post.
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Your Internship Tasks: Five Example Lab Activities
Depending on your interests, technical competences and project constraints in 2026, you will support one or more of the section's laboratory activities, for example by:
💻 Development of simulation tools for free-space optical communications systems
🛰️ Testbed development of advanced spaceborne optoelectronic applications (for optical communication, optical detectors and/or lasers)
🧽 Integration and commissioning of an upgraded laser induced contamination characterisation setup
📷 Assembly and commissioning of an optoelectronics test bench for the characterisation of scientific digital CMOS image sensors
🎯 Calibration and validation of Lidar terminals for Guidance, Navigation and Control and In-Orbit Servicing applications
Who Can Apply: University Students at Master's Level
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 Asset
Knowledge and background in working with optical laboratory setups (including lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition or experience in programming and modelling (e.g. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD is an asset.
Working Languages and the 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.
ESA Behavioural Competencies Assessed
The vacancy lists six 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.
Nationality Requirement
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.
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.
Internship Length and Start: 3 to 6 Months from February 2027
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.
ESA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It therefore welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Help 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. To discuss this further, the vacancy gives a contact email, which is listed at the end of this post.
Disclaimer on Internship Conditions
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 Opto-Electronics 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 Opto-Electronics Section work on?
The section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies.
What will I work on during the internship?
Depending on your interests, technical competences and project constraints in 2026, you will support one or more laboratory activities. Examples are simulation tools for free-space optical communications systems, testbeds for spaceborne optoelectronic applications, a laser induced contamination characterisation setup, a test bench for scientific digital CMOS image sensors, and calibration and validation of Lidar terminals.
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 working with optical laboratory setups (including lasers, detectors, free-space or fibre based optics), real-time data acquisition, programming and modelling (e.g. Python, MATLAB, LabView) or CAD 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 during the selection process?
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 21043): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Mechanical-Department-Opto-Electronics-Section/1452884233/
📰 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
