The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Thermal Analysis and Verification 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: the internship covers space thermal analysis and verification, from laboratory testing and new analysis methods to thermal analyses of instruments and satellites with ESATAN-TMS.
ESA Thermal Analysis and Verification Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21048
🎓 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 - Thermal Analysis and Verification Section
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Inside the Thermal Analysis and Verification Section
The Thermal Analysis and Verification Section (TEC-MTV) is responsible for providing the means of analysis and verification, and for performing predevelopment and verification tests in the field of thermal environment and mechanical systems. It is the centre of competence within the Agency for thermal analysis tools and verification, including testing. The Section is also responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Division's technical infrastructure.
The vacancy invites interested candidates to visit the ESA website, listed in the Links section below.
Field of Activity: Space Thermal Analysis and Verification
The internship covers space thermal analysis and verification, with one or several of the four activities below:
🧪 Mechanical Systems Laboratory
🧮 Thermal Analysis methods
📡 Analysis methods in support of testing activities
🔥 Thermal Analysis
Mechanical Systems Laboratory
You would take part in the testing activities of the laboratory, including the evaluation of test data. You would also participate in the development and acceptance of new test facilities, for example thermal cycling and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion.
Thermal Analysis Methods: Research and Development
This activity focuses on research and development in the area of computational methods for space thermal analysis or multi-disciplinary analysis, for example:
🔗 Methods and tools for exchange of thermal analysis data with other disciplines such as structures (e.g. development of SINAS)
🧬 Co-simulation of thermal analysis models with other domains such as power or fluidics
🚀 Next generation methods for radiative, fluidic or thermal analysis
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Analysis Methods in Support of Testing
This activity supports testing with analysis methods, for example:
⏱️ Real time model correlation or identification of discrepancies between model and test data
📷 Analysis methods for new test instrumentation such as infra-red cameras
🧷 Data fusion of thermal analysis and test data
🌬️ Modelling of gas convection for cleanroom testing
Thermal Analysis of Instruments and Satellites
You would perform thermal analyses, including steady state and transient analyses of instruments and satellites, following familiarisation with project requirements and the Agency's tools (ESATAN-TMS). This may also include in-flight correlation of thermal analysis models for ESA projects.
This task is often carried out in collaboration with the Thermal Control Section, which is responsible for design aspects.
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.
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 Thermal Analysis and Verification 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?
The internship covers space thermal analysis and verification, with one or several of four activities: the Mechanical Systems Laboratory, Thermal Analysis methods, analysis methods in support of testing activities, and thermal analysis of instruments and satellites.
Which tools will I use for thermal analyses?
For thermal analyses of instruments and satellites, you would work with the Agency's tools (ESATAN-TMS) following familiarisation with project requirements. The work may also include in-flight correlation of thermal analysis models for ESA projects.
Will I work with other teams?
The thermal analysis task is often carried out in collaboration with the Thermal Control Section, which is responsible for design aspects.
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.
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 21048): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Mechanical-Department-Thermal-Analysis-and-Verification-Section/1452885233/
📰 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
