The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Propulsion Engineering 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 the implementation of the Innovative Propulsion Cross-Cutting Initiative (ESA IP-CCI) while working directly with the Head of Section and the Head of Division.
ESA Propulsion Engineering Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21042
🎓 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 - Propulsion Engineering Section
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Inside the Chemical Propulsion Engineering Section
The Chemical Propulsion Engineering Section (TEC-MPC) is part of the Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division. The vacancy lists three tasks for the section:
🛰️ Provide technical support and consultancy in space transportation propulsion (liquid, including storable and cryogenic technologies, and solid propulsion) and spacecraft propulsion (various chemical propulsion technologies) to the Agency project teams responsible for the development of launchers and spacecraft, throughout all project phases.
🗺️ Contribute to the preparation of work plans in the areas of space transportation and spacecraft propulsion in the Agency's technological programmes, with a particular contribution expected on systems and new propulsion aspects.
📑 Prepare and manage, from a technical perspective, ESA contracts for studies, experimental investigations, and engineering development activities in space propulsion.
The vacancy invites interested candidates to visit the ESA website, listed in the Links section below.
Your Role in the Innovative Propulsion Cross-Cutting Initiative
You will be integrated into the ESA Chemical Propulsion Section, reporting directly to the Head of Section and the Head of Division. In this role, you will develop skills and expertise while supporting the team in implementing the Innovative Propulsion Cross-Cutting Initiative (ESA IP-CCI) through technical and personal development in the areas below.
Five Areas of Internship Activity
🧩 Contributing to the development of key ESA technologies, including monitoring progress and updating the IP-CCI technology roadmaps.
🔎 Conducting comprehensive assessments of European R&D activities related to IP-CCI topics.
🏛️ Supporting the Division in implementing activities approved at the ESA Ministerial Conference 2025 (CM25), preparing internal performance indicators and supporting the preparation of ESA Ministerial Conference 2028.
📊 Assisting with OSIP campaigns related to IP-CCI, including producing synthesis reports.
🎤 Contributing to corporate initiatives, such as workshops and conferences, to enhance the visibility of the propulsion strategy and its implementation to ESA stakeholders.
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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.
What Background ESA Is Looking For
The vacancy says you should also have:
🚀 Successfully completed a university course in aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on space propulsion.
🔧 Knowledge of space propulsion engineering, including propulsion subsystems and their interactions with, and impact on, other associated spacecraft/space vehicle subsystems.
🌌 A strong interest in spacecraft and space vehicles, particularly those related to missions undertaken by ESA.
🔭 A solid theoretical and historical understanding of space propulsion, combined with the ability to envision how future propulsion systems could operate and be integrated into spacecraft and space vehicles under development.
🧠 Knowledge of systems engineering would be considered an additional asset.
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.
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.
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 Propulsion Engineering 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 will I work on during the internship?
You would support the team in implementing the Innovative Propulsion Cross-Cutting Initiative (ESA IP-CCI). This includes updating the IP-CCI technology roadmaps, assessing European R&D activities and assisting with OSIP campaigns.
Who would I report to?
You would be integrated into the ESA Chemical Propulsion Section and report directly to the Head of Section and the Head of Division.
Which corporate activities are part of the internship?
You would support the Division in implementing activities approved at the ESA Ministerial Conference 2025 (CM25), prepare internal performance indicators and support the preparation of ESA Ministerial Conference 2028. You would also contribute to workshops and conferences that enhance the visibility of the propulsion strategy to ESA stakeholders.
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 expect?
ESA expects a university course in aerospace engineering with a focus on space propulsion, knowledge of space propulsion engineering and propulsion subsystems, and a strong interest in ESA missions. Knowledge of systems engineering would be considered an additional 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 21042): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Mechanical-Department-Propulsion-Engineering-Section/1452883933/
📰 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
