The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the End-to-End Systems Communications Section of its Systems Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, where you analyse and simulate space communications links. 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: 21063
🎓 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
Where You Will Work: ESTEC in Noordwijk
The internship is located at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The role belongs to ESA's Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate and sits in the Systems Department, in the End-to-End Systems Communications Section.
Your Team: The End-To-End Systems Engineering Division
The End-To-End Systems Engineering Division (TEC-SE) is responsible for supporting projects for the Engineering of E2E systems, the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration and verification activities (SIV), and service preparation. To serve these functions, the Head of the Division defines and executes the associated technology developments and studies, as well as the verification and validation laboratory facilities, and supports the preparation of the relevant engineering standards.
Engineering Competences the Division Supports and Develops
TEC-SE supports and develops the following engineering competences:
🧰 E2E generic engineering tools, processes and competences
🔐 All aspects of security engineering at system level, including cyber security, crypto, hardware and software security, link and data protection, frameworks, processes, vulnerability assessment, and countermeasures at system, element and application levels including AI and Quantum
📶 Telecommunication and connectivity systems and techniques
🧭 Radio Navigation and PNT systems and techniques, Formation Flying and RF metrology
📡 E2E System Comms for Telemetry, Telecommand and Payload Data Dissemination, Tracking, Ranging, Radio Science and Time Transfer functions
Responsibilities of the Division
The responsibilities include the definition of concepts and algorithms, System, Segment and Payload-System architecture and trade-offs, performance and budgets analysis, interfaces and data flows, design and processing of signal in space, and networks and protocols for the Ground to Space and Space to Space links, for RF and Optical systems.
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Field of Activity for the Internship
The internship covers the assessment and end-to-end analysis of space communications links. These include:
🛰️ Tracking, Telemetry and Command (TT&C) links for Science and Exploration missions up to Deep Space
🌍 Payload Data Transmission (PDT) links for Earth Observation missions
🌙 Other lunar and planetary space communication links
Your Tasks as an Intern
Your tasks include:
🔎 Assessing techniques
🧪 Performing simulations
🐍 Upgrading existing simulators in Python or other programming languages
📻 Supporting the development and testing of a Software Defined Radio prototyping platform for TT&C/PDT and other space communication applications, possibly using GNU radio
What the Analysis and Simulation Tasks Cover
The analysis and simulation tasks cover the assessment of modulation, coding, acquisition and tracking techniques for satellite communication links.
Early Design Studies of Future Space Missions
The internship also includes participation as a Communications expert team member in early design studies of future space missions, from Earth Orbiting to Deep Space.
Internship Duration and Start Date
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.
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. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Languages and Additional Requirements
The vacancy sets these requirements and assets:
🗣️ 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
💻 Good knowledge of MATLAB, Python or other related programming languages
🛰️ Some familiarity with satellite communications
🎤 During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored
Behavioural Competencies
The vacancy lists six ESA core behavioural competencies:
🎯 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🤝 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
📈 Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers candidates to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Selection Process 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.
Eligible Nationalities
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.
How Many Vacancies You Can Apply For
One candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies, according to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships.
Learn More About ESA
Candidates interested in the role are encouraged to visit the ESA website to find out more about the Agency.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. ESA welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. 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 End-to-End Systems Communications Section internship based?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, in ESA's Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate. 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 will I work on during the internship?
You assess and analyse end-to-end space communications links, including TT&C links for Science and Exploration missions up to Deep Space and Payload Data Transmission links for Earth Observation missions. Your tasks include assessing techniques, performing simulations, upgrading existing simulators in Python or other programming languages, and supporting a Software Defined Radio prototyping platform.
Which techniques do the analysis and simulation tasks cover?
The analysis and simulation tasks cover the assessment of modulation, coding, acquisition and tracking techniques for satellite communication links.
Will I take part in mission design work?
Yes. The internship includes participation as a Communications expert team member in early design studies of future space missions, from Earth Orbiting to Deep Space.
What does the End-To-End Systems Engineering Division do?
The Division (TEC-SE) supports projects for the Engineering of E2E systems, the associated security aspects, E2E systems integration and verification activities, and service preparation. It also runs the verification and validation laboratory facilities and supports the preparation of the relevant engineering standards.
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 skills do I need?
The vacancy asks for good knowledge of MATLAB, Python or other related programming languages and some familiarity with satellite communications. A good knowledge of English or French is also required.
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.
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.
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, and applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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-Systems-Department-End-to-End-Systems-Communications-Section/1452888433/
📘 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
