The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Cost Engineering Section of its Systems Department, based 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 and set out the internship activities, the requirements, the duration and the nationality rules below.
Key Details of the Vacancy
The vacancy lists these formal details:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21058
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality
📍 Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
🗺️ Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
📣 Publication method: External Only
📅 Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Cost Engineering Section and Its Mission
The Cost Engineering Section provides cost engineering support, tools and estimates to ESA projects and studies, including studies conducted in the Concurrent Design Facility. The focus of the section is the preparation of cost estimates and the review of cost estimates and financial proposals prepared by industry for projects in the early stages of definition (Phase 0, A and B1).
The cost estimating process is approached from a system engineering point of view, and is hence more of a technical discipline than a financial or economic one.
A Small Team with a Great Team Spirit
The section is relatively small, with a total of nine permanent staff, a great team spirit, and good support and interesting work for interns. The vacancy describes the internship as valuable experience for a career in cost engineering, system engineering and project management.
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Field of Activity for the Internship
As an intern in the Cost Engineering Section, you will be involved in the following activities:
🗄️ Maintenance of the technical-economic database that constitutes the backbone of the cost modelling capabilities
🛠️ Maintenance and development of cost engineering tools and models
🤝 Support to Cost Engineers in various studies, mostly those performed in the Concurrent Design Facility
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 Additional 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.
Assets for This Internship
The vacancy lists the following as assets:
💶 Knowledge of cost estimating and cost modelling
🚀 Knowledge and background in engineering, and specifically space system engineering
📋 Knowledge of project management and related financial areas
📈 Proficiency with office automation software and customisation (e.g. Microsoft SharePoint and Excel)
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy names six ESA core behavioural competencies and refers applicants to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook for more information:
🎯 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🤲 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
Duration, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor. A candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
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.
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.
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. To discuss this further, you can 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: https://www.esa.int
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Cost Engineering internship take place?
The internship is based in the Systems Department's Cost Engineering Section at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The vacancy lists Noordwijk, NL as the workplace.
What will I work on during the internship?
You will maintain the technical-economic database behind the cost modelling capabilities, maintain and develop cost engineering tools and models, and support Cost Engineers in various studies, mostly those performed in the Concurrent Design Facility.
What does the Cost Engineering Section do?
The section provides cost engineering support, tools and estimates to ESA projects and studies. It prepares cost estimates and reviews cost estimates and financial proposals prepared by industry for projects in the early stages of definition (Phase 0, A and B1).
Is cost engineering a financial or a technical discipline?
The vacancy states that the cost estimating process is approached from a system engineering point of view. It is therefore more of a technical discipline than a financial or economic one.
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. Applications are only considered from nationals of the 27 States listed in the nationality section.
Which languages do I need?
A good knowledge of English or French, the working languages of the Agency, is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Which skills count as assets?
The vacancy lists knowledge of cost estimating and cost modelling, a background in engineering and especially space system engineering, knowledge of project management and related financial areas, and proficiency with office automation software and customisation such as Microsoft SharePoint and Excel.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies.
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 21058): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Systems-Department-Cost-Engineering-Section/1452887533/
📰 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
