The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Science Contracts Service at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, supporting procurement for the Agency's Science Programme. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and eligibility rule below.
Key Details of the Vacancy
The vacancy lists these formal details:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21093
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement
📍 Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
🗺️ Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Science Contracts Service and Its Mission
The Science Contracts Service supports the European Space Agency's Science Programme by delivering effective, transparent and timely procurement for scientific missions, studies, technology activities and mission operations.
Its focus is to help Science teams move efficiently from contract planning to contract signature and implementation, while maintaining sound governance, fair competition and value for money. This includes, but is not limited to, the upcoming missions LISA, EnVision and NewAthena.
The CFO-CX Contracts Division
Within the Contracts Department, the CFO-CX Contracts Division is in charge of the implementation of all activities in support of the Science and the Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes Directorates. The relevant contracts cover a wide range of complexity, from a few 100 K€ R&D to large Satellites Projects of several 100 M€.
What the Division Does Day to Day
The Division implements all related contracting tasks:
📣 Tendering, planning and issue of invitations to tender
🔎 Evaluation of proposals
🤝 Negotiation of contracts
✍️ Contract signature
📈 Monitoring
In parallel, the Division contributes to the improvement of the overall Regulatory frame in the Contracts Department and supports the general work initiated in the Department to improve time to contract.
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Your Team and Work Environment at ESTEC
You will join an international team at the European Space Research and Technology Centre in Noordwijk in the Netherlands, collaborating with contracts officers and engaging with Science stakeholders. The environment combines procurement, legal and programmatic analysis, collaboration and continuous improvement.
The vacancy encourages interested candidates to visit the ESA website to learn more about the Agency.
What You Will Do as an Intern
You will support contracting activities for the Science Programme. Under the supervision of a contracts officer, with due regard to operational and time-efficiency as well as continuous evolutions, you will:
📄 Help review procurement documentation and contractual provisions
🧠 Analyse contractual, programmatic and procedural questions
⚖️ Compare approaches across different contract types
🛠️ Contribute to active procurement cases
What You Will Learn
By the end of the internship, you will understand the main stages of public procurement in the space sector, apply contractual and regulatory principles and collaborate effectively with technical, legal and programmatic stakeholders.
How Long the Internship Lasts and When It Starts
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Education Requirements
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.
Priority for Law Students and Useful Background
Priority will be given to candidates studying Law. The vacancy also lists these assets and qualities:
🚀 Knowledge and background in space domain/technology is considered an asset
📚 A good knowledge in contract, procurement or international business law, intellectual property law is considered an asset
🗣️ Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
🌐 Ability to interact with multiple international actors and to work collaboratively in a team to achieve organisational goals
🔒 Discretion and integrity
Language 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.
ESA Behavioural Competencies for This Role
The vacancy lists the following ESA 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.
Interview and Selection Tests
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Nationality Requirement
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.
Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
Equal Opportunities and Support for Applicants with Disabilities
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.
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, and you can contact ESA by email using the address in the Links section below.
Allowance and Disclaimer
The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance. 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. You can find more opportunities like this in the internships and traineeships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Science Contracts Service internship based?
The internship is based at ESTEC, the European Space Research and Technology Centre, in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The vacancy lists Noordwijk, NL as the workplace.
What is the deadline to apply?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. Applications are submitted through the ESA careers website.
What does the Science Contracts Service do?
It supports ESA's Science Programme by delivering effective, transparent and timely procurement for scientific missions, studies, technology activities and mission operations. It helps Science teams move from contract planning to contract signature and implementation, including for the upcoming missions LISA, EnVision and NewAthena.
What will I work on as an intern?
You support contracting activities for the Science Programme. You help review procurement documentation and contractual provisions, analyse contractual, programmatic and procedural questions, compare approaches across different contract types and contribute to active procurement cases under the supervision of a contracts officer.
Do I need to study Law?
Priority will be given to candidates studying Law. The vacancy also treats knowledge of contract, procurement, international business law or intellectual property law, and a background in the space domain or technology, as assets.
What education level is required?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities are eligible?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's listed 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State, and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS), can apply as well.
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of the Agency 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 many ESA internship vacancies can I apply for?
One candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies, according to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships.
What happens during the selection process?
Your motivation for applying to the role will be explored during the interview. ESA may also ask applicants to undergo selection tests.
What will I have learned by the end of the internship?
You will understand the main stages of public procurement in the space sector, apply contractual and regulatory principles and collaborate effectively with technical, legal and programmatic stakeholders.
Does the vacancy state a stipend?
No. The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Science-Contracts-Service/1452885533/
📘 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
