The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting a Data Management and AI Readiness intern for the Software and Artificial Intelligence Team of its Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The internship lasts 3 to 6 months, starts from February 2027 onwards, and applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: you will prepare real space mission data for future AI and machine learning use.
Vacancy at a Glance
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21123
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🚀 Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
🗓️ Duration: 3 to 6 months, from February 2027 onwards
The Team and Its Mission
The mission of the team, known as HRE-FI, is to advance digital and AI-driven capabilities for human and robotic exploration across all destinations, from low Earth orbit to Mars. Its work is supported by robust data governance.
The Four Pillars of the Team
The team's activities focus on four pillars:
🧠 Artificial Intelligence
🥽 Extended Reality
🤖 IoT and Robotics
⚛️ Quantum Technologies
Key Initiatives You Could Touch
The team's key initiatives include these areas:
🗓️ AI-enabled mission planning
🎓 Immersive XR training
🔧 Predictive maintenance
🔗 Digital continuity
A Collaborative, Multidisciplinary Environment
The environment is highly collaborative and combines ESA experts, industry partners and research institutions. Innovation is fostered through labs and pilot projects.
The team operates in a dynamic, multidisciplinary setting and integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, astronaut support and future mission readiness.
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Who Supervises You
You work under the supervision of the HRE Data Lab Lead. The tasks below are the field(s) of activity listed for this internship.
Your Tasks During the Internship
🔍 Perform exploratory data analysis and metadata tagging on heterogeneous datasets from past and current missions, for example spacecraft telemetry, experiment results, technical reports and 3D models
🗃️ Support the cataloguing and profiling of data assets, identifying how they are structured, where they are stored and how they can be accessed
🏛️ Help design a data categorisation and governance model aligned with international standards such as FAIR principles
⚙️ Contribute to the development of automated workflows for metadata enrichment and data organisation
🔮 Assess the potential of datasets for future AI/ML exploitation and digital twin applications
📋 Support the implementation of recommendations from ESA's ongoing AI study, particularly those related to data infrastructure and readiness
🤝 Collaborate with colleagues across engineering, science and IT to ensure consistency and avoid duplication
🧪 Optional stretch task: develop small prototypes, for example scripts for automatic tagging, clustering or text search, to demonstrate how data could be prepared for AI
Learning Outcomes
During this internship you will:
🛰️ Gain insight into space mission data and documentation and the challenges of managing them
🧹 Acquire hands-on experience in data wrangling, metadata design and governance
📊 Learn how to prepare real datasets for AI/ML training, analytics and simulation workflows
🪞 Understand the role of data engineering in enabling digital twins, AI agents and decision support
🌐 Work in an international and interdisciplinary team, engaging with experts in engineering, science and IT
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.
Skills and Background That Count as an Asset
🧮 Knowledge and background in data science, data management standards, computer science, information engineering or a related field is an asset
🐍 Experience with Python (pandas, numpy, Jupyter), SQL or similar data handling tools is an asset
Working Languages
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.
Behavioural Competencies
ESA assesses six behavioural competencies for this role:
🎯 Result Orientation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
🫶 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
📈 Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
For more information, refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Which Nationalities Can Apply?
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 Sanctions Requirement
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Duration, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of the 2027 student internships, the 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 a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
Selection Tests and Interview
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
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
ESA values diversity and welcomes people with disabilities. Whenever possible, it 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, contact ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int.
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. Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website. Find more opportunities like this on Youth Works Hub in the internship category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Data Management and AI Readiness internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within ESA's Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate. The workplace is listed as Noordwijk, NL.
What will I do during this internship?
Under the supervision of the HRE Data Lab Lead, you will analyse and tag heterogeneous mission datasets, support data cataloguing and profiling, help design a data categorisation and governance model, and assess datasets for future AI/ML and digital twin use.
What is HRE-FI?
HRE-FI is the team behind this internship. Its mission is to advance digital and AI-driven capabilities for human and robotic exploration, with four pillars: Artificial Intelligence, Extended Reality, IoT and Robotics, and Quantum Technologies.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's announcement, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
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 internship. Only nationals of the listed ESA States are considered.
Which backgrounds are an asset?
Knowledge and background in data science, data management standards, computer science, information engineering or a related field is an asset. Experience with Python (pandas, numpy, Jupyter), SQL or similar data handling tools is also an asset.
Which languages do I need?
A good knowledge of English or French is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Is the optional stretch task required?
No. It is listed as an optional stretch task: developing small prototypes, for example scripts for automatic tagging, clustering or text search, to demonstrate how data could be prepared for AI.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
According to ESA's announcement, a candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
Is an allowance stated in the vacancy?
No. The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance for this internship.
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.
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 21123): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Software-and-Artificial-Intelligence-Team-Data-Management-and-AI-Readiness/1452994833/
📰 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
