The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Robotics 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 join mechanical, electrical, control and software engineers working on space robotics, from planetary rovers to orbital servicing, in the Automation and Robotics Laboratories (ARL).
ESA Robotics Section Internship: Vacancy Details
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21045
🎓 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 - Robotics Section
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Who You Would Work With: The Robotics Section Team
The Robotics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of space robotics systems, from manipulators to autonomous vehicles. It also runs laboratories supporting automation and robotics in crewed and uncrewed missions.
As part of a team of mechanical, electrical, control and software engineers, you would contribute to the work of the Robotics Section at ESTEC, and in particular to the Automation and Robotics Laboratories (ARL).
The Three Laboratories of the ARL
The Automation and Robotics Laboratories consist of three areas:
🪐 The Planetary Robotics Laboratory, where the work focuses on the design of rovers for planetary exploration.
👥 The Human Interaction Laboratory, which focuses on the collaboration of robotic systems and operators.
🛰️ The Orbital Robotics Laboratory, which focuses on activities such as Active Debris Removal and In-Orbit Servicing.
The laboratory you would work in and the tasks you would be given depend on your final qualification, your interests and the needs of the Section.
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What You Could Do During the Internship
The vacancy describes the fields of activity for the internship as follows:
🏭 Support industrial activities.
🧪 Help host third parties for tests in the laboratory: the preparation of the facilities and the support provided by section personnel are vital for this.
🔬 Research and development on novel robotics and autonomous systems: you are expected to maintain your knowledge of current robotics developments, and you will conduct independent research and development on robotics concepts coming from internal ideas of the section.
🛠️ Concept designing, prototyping and testing to prove that an idea is viable.
🤝 Collaboration with third-party companies on hardware development and procurement.
📋 Support relevant R&D activities or CDF studies when necessary.
Hardware Procurement With Third-Party Companies
The ARL has a constant need to upgrade and adjust its inventory in order to support new activities. As an intern, you would be intimately involved in this process by directly interacting with third parties to discuss concepts and trade-off solutions in order to procure equipment or software.
Industrial R&D and CDF Studies
The section staff supervises a number of industrial R&D activities in all fields related to space robotics. You would have the opportunity to participate in reviews and otherwise support these activities as required, as well as relevant CDF studies when necessary.
Behavioural Competencies ESA Looks For
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.
Education: Who Can Apply
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, Interview and Helpful Background
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.
🔩 Knowledge and background in prototyping robotic systems is an asset.
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.
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, 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.
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 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 and Disclaimer
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.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed at the end of this post.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Robotics 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 Robotics Section do?
The Robotics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out R&D in space robotics systems, from manipulators to autonomous vehicles. It also runs laboratories supporting automation and robotics in crewed and uncrewed missions.
Which laboratories are part of the ARL?
The Automation and Robotics Laboratories consist of the Planetary Robotics Laboratory (rovers for planetary exploration), the Human Interaction Laboratory (collaboration of robotic systems and operators) and the Orbital Robotics Laboratory (Active Debris Removal and In-Orbit Servicing).
What tasks may I be given?
Tasks include supporting industrial activities, preparing facilities and supporting third parties who test in the laboratory, independent R&D on robotics concepts with prototyping and testing, working with third-party companies on hardware procurement, and supporting R&D activities or CDF studies when necessary.
Will I choose my laboratory?
The laboratory you work in and the tasks you are given depend on your final qualification, your interests and the needs of the Section.
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 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.
Is robotics prototyping experience required?
The vacancy describes knowledge and background in prototyping robotic systems as an asset, not as a requirement.
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 21045): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Mechanical-Department-Robotics-Section/1452884433/
📰 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
