The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in its Systems Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, focused on the Zero Debris approach and End-of-Life management of space missions. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out the role, every requirement and the eligibility rules below.
Key Details of the Vacancy
The vacancy lists these formal details:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21055
🎓 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 Team Behind the Internship: Sustainability Engineering & Standards
The Sustainability Engineering & Standards Section (TEC-SFS), part of ESA's Future Engineering Division (TEC-SF), supports the development and implementation of sustainable engineering approaches across ESA programmes and projects. The section works at the intersection of system engineering, sustainability and innovation, helping to ensure that future space systems are designed, developed and operated in a more sustainable, efficient and responsible manner.
How the Section Works with ESA's Clean Space Initiatives
A significant part of the section's activities is dedicated to supporting ESA's Clean Space initiatives. Working in close collaboration with the Clean Space Office, TEC-SFS engineers contribute to the development and application of methodologies, technologies and engineering practices that advance the long-term sustainability of space activities. This includes activities related to:
🌱 Ecodesign
🚫 Zero Debris
♻️ The future Circular Economy in Space
From Mission Definition to Implementation
The team supports ESA projects from the earliest mission definition phases through technology development and implementation, helping projects integrate sustainability objectives into system design, engineering trades, verification approaches and operational concepts. Activities span topics such as:
🔄 Life cycle assessment
🌍 Environmental impact reduction
🛰️ Space debris mitigation
🧭 Sustainable mission design
🔧 In-orbit servicing
🏗️ Future circular space architectures
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What the Internship Offers You
For interns, TEC-SFS offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge sustainability engineering activities and to support the development of future technologies, missions and engineering approaches that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities. Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
Internship Topic: Zero Debris Approach and End-of-Life Management
The traffic in valuable Earth orbits is expected to continue increasing significantly in the coming decades. Despite internationally recognised space debris mitigation guidelines, technical standards and national regulations, the successful disposal of space systems and the prevention of in-orbit break-ups remain major challenges. ESA is addressing these challenges through the implementation of the Zero Debris approach, helping to preserve the space environment for future generations.
What You Will Do as an Intern
You will support the team responsible for further developing the Zero Debris approach and improving the End-of-Life management of current and future missions. Activities may include contributing to:
🏗️ Engineering studies
📋 Requirements
🔬 Methodologies
🗺️ Technology roadmaps
📊 Analyses related to space debris mitigation, disposal strategies and the implementation of Zero Debris objectives across ESA projects
Opportunities Beyond the Main Focus
While the primary focus of the internship will be on Zero Debris and End-of-Life management, opportunities may also arise to contribute to activities in the areas of Ecodesign and In-Orbit Servicing and Circular Economy in Space, depending on the intern's interests and the needs of other ongoing activities.
Education Requirements
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.
Language 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.
What ESA Looks For and What Counts as an Asset
The vacancy names these points:
🌿 Having a keen interest in Clean Space activities is beneficial
🤝 Having a collaborative team spirit is highly valued
🚀 Knowledge and background in Zero Debris, space debris mitigation and/or space system engineering is an asset
Preferred Commitment
Due to the nature of the post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on the candidate's availability.
How Long the Internship Lasts and When It Starts
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.
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
ESA Behavioural Competencies for This Role
The vacancy lists the following ESA core behavioural competencies:
🎯 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.
Interview and Selection Tests
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Export Control and Sanctions Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Nationality Requirement
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.
Equal Opportunities and Support for Applicants with Disabilities
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.
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, 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 Zero Debris internship based?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The vacancy lists the workplace as Noordwijk, NL and the directorate as Technology, Engineering and Quality.
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 support the team that develops the Zero Debris approach and improves the End-of-Life management of current and future missions. Activities may include engineering studies, requirements, methodologies, technology roadmaps and analyses related to space debris mitigation and disposal strategies.
Which team will I join?
You join the Sustainability Engineering & Standards Section (TEC-SFS), part of ESA's Future Engineering Division (TEC-SF). The section works closely with the Clean Space Office on Ecodesign, Zero Debris and the future Circular Economy in Space.
Can I also work on other topics?
Yes, opportunities may arise. Besides the main focus on Zero Debris and End-of-Life management, you may contribute to Ecodesign and In-Orbit Servicing and Circular Economy in Space, depending on your interests and the needs of other ongoing activities.
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.
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.
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 vacancy states that a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on your availability, and the exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
What background is an asset?
Knowledge and background in Zero Debris, space debris mitigation and/or space system engineering is an asset. A keen interest in Clean Space activities is beneficial and a collaborative team spirit is highly valued.
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-Zero-Debris-Approach-and-End-of-Life-Management/1452886933/
📘 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
