The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Space Systems Section of its Systems Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, where you explore how artificial intelligence can support the modelling of mission concepts and spacecraft design. 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: 21059
🎓 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 Space Systems Section.
Your Host Team: Space Segment Systems Engineering (TEC-SYS)
This internship is hosted by the Space Segment Systems Engineering section, known as TEC-SYS. The section provides systems engineering support across all ESA directorates, in both early and later mission phases.
Two Teams You Will Collaborate With
During your internship, you collaborate with experts from two other sections:
🤖 AI & Advanced Engineering Methods section (TEC-SFA): develops and provides cutting-edge methods and tools to systems engineers across the Agency
🧪 Concurrent Design Facility section (TEC-SFD): performs early-phase studies for both internal and external customers to define mission scenarios and high-level system design trades
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in Netherlands →
────────────────────────────────────────
What You Will Do: Five Internship Tasks
Under the supervision of the tutor, you work on these tasks:
📝 Assess the modelling use cases for systems engineering during early phase studies
🧠 Develop a systematic approach to how AI can support modelling mission concepts and spacecraft design options
🧰 Identify the relevant tools and toolchains with which the AI would have to interact
🔌 Develop and evaluate interfaces allowing AI agents to use selected modelling and engineering tools
🚀 Demonstrate the approach through a prototype on representative early phase engineering tasks
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
🛠️ Experience in systems engineering, early phase studies and concurrent design is an asset
💻 Experience with Large Language Models, AI agents, software development or engineering modelling tools is also an asset
🎤 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 Systems Department Space Systems 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 this internship?
Under the supervision of the tutor, you assess modelling use cases for systems engineering in early phase studies, develop an approach for how AI can support modelling mission concepts and spacecraft design options, identify the tools and toolchains the AI has to interact with, develop and evaluate interfaces that let AI agents use selected modelling and engineering tools, and demonstrate the approach through a prototype on representative early phase engineering tasks.
Which teams will I work with?
The internship is hosted by the Space Segment Systems Engineering section (TEC-SYS). You collaborate with experts from the AI & Advanced Engineering Methods section (TEC-SFA) and the Concurrent Design Facility section (TEC-SFD).
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.
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.
Do I need experience with AI or systems engineering?
Experience in systems engineering, early phase studies and concurrent design, as well as experience with Large Language Models, AI agents, software development or engineering modelling tools, is considered an asset, not a strict requirement.
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-Space-Systems-Section/1452887733/
📘 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
