The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern for the Concurrent Engineering and Future Missions Section of its Systems 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 teaches the competencies of a Systems Engineer through concurrent engineering studies, digital engineering and model-based tools.
ESA Concurrent Engineering Internship: Key Facts
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21054
🎓 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 Systems Department - Concurrent Engineering and Future Missions Section
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Inside the ESA Systems Department
The Systems Department is responsible for Systems Engineering, its implementation within Projects and In Orbit Demonstration, and the innovative solutions, in terms of technology and methodology, that enhance its effectiveness.
Those innovative areas are listed in the vacancy as:
🤖 Artificial Intelligence
🧪 Advanced Simulation
🥽 Augmented Reality
👥 Concurrent and Collaborative Engineering
🧮 Cost Engineering
💻 Digital Engineering
🧩 MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering)
🌱 Sustainability
Standardisation in Space
Standardisation is also within the responsibility of the Systems Department. Its job is to ensure that processes are formalised and shared across the broad community of space stakeholders.
Your Place in the Concurrent Design Environment
The post is very much connected with the concurrent design environment, such as the ESA Concurrent Design Facility, and with the digital tools that enhance collaboration, such as MBSE.
You will also get involved in diverse multidisciplinary tasks that touch all the areas of competence of the Systems Department, which the vacancy describes as making the experience unique and enriching.
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What You Will Learn as an Intern
The vacancy states that you will learn about the competencies required to cover the role of a Systems Engineer. The learning happens in two ways: by actively participating in and supporting ongoing work, and by investigating how digital technology will shape future engineering environments.
Field of Activity: Supporting Ongoing Work
You will actively participate in and support three areas:
📡 Systems and concurrent engineering activities, including CDF Studies
🔬 Technology developments, such as Digital Engineering, MBSE, Augmented Reality, AI and the innovative trends identified by the ESA Technology Vision 2040
📐 Design models and methodologies developments, including MBSE, design to cost, and the implementation of sustainability and Zero Debris roadmaps
Field of Activity: Investigating the Digital Future
You will investigate how technology developments in digitalisation, such as MBSE and AI, and improved visualisation solutions, such as VR/AR, will shape integrated digital environments connecting data, processes and people.
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.
Languages and Interview
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.
Skills That Count as an Asset
Knowledge and background in Engineering is an asset, as well as the following:
🌌 Knowledge and background in Systems Engineering, Mission Analysis and other system-related disciplines
📚 Knowledge and background in (model based) Systems Engineering and familiarity with COMET or similar tools
🐍 Programming experience in either C-sharp and/or Python
📊 Proficiency with office automation software and customisation, such as Microsoft SharePoint and Excel
🗺️ Experience with SysML and modelling tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, Enterprise Architect or Capella
⚙️ Experience with engineering tools such as MATLAB Simulink, CATIA, ASTOS, ECOSIM pro
🕸️ Experience with web application development (front and back-end)
🎮 Practical experience with AR/VR/XR technologies, such as Hololens, Blender, Unity, Physx or similar
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.
The vacancy also invites interested candidates to visit the ESA website, listed in the Links section below.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Concurrent Engineering internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Concurrent Engineering and Future Missions Section of the Systems Department, under the Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.
What will I do during the internship?
You would actively participate in and support systems and concurrent engineering activities (including CDF Studies), technology developments such as Digital Engineering, MBSE, Augmented Reality and AI, and design models and methodologies developments such as design to cost and sustainability and Zero Debris roadmaps. You would also investigate how digitalisation and improved visualisation solutions will shape integrated digital environments.
What will I learn?
According to the vacancy, you will learn about the competencies required to cover the role of a Systems Engineer. The post is connected with the concurrent design environment and digital tools such as MBSE, and it involves diverse multidisciplinary tasks across the Systems Department.
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 skills are an asset?
Knowledge and background in Engineering is an asset. The vacancy also lists Systems Engineering and Mission Analysis, model-based Systems Engineering and COMET, programming in C-sharp and/or Python, SharePoint and Excel, SysML modelling tools, engineering tools such as MATLAB Simulink and CATIA, web application development, and AR/VR/XR technologies.
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 21054): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Systems-Department-Concurrent-Engineering-and-Future-Missions-Section/1452886733/
📰 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
