The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Accelerate and Innovation Technology Team of its Technology Department, based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the 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 tasks, learning outcomes, requirements and eligibility rules below.
Key Details of the Vacancy
The vacancy lists these formal details:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21034
🎓 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
Your Main Task: Supporting the Next Technology Strategy
Your main task is to support the preparation of the next Technology Strategy at Directorate Level. In practice, the vacancy lists three activities:
📝 Prepare supporting material (data tables, visuals, briefing notes) for TEC management in the context of strategy preparation discussions
📊 Collect, consolidate, and analyse quantitative and qualitative data from ESA's technology programmes, Technology domains, and application domains
🧰 Support the creation of guidelines and recommendations to harmonise the use of digital tools (SharePoint, Teams, and IT tools) across the TEC Directorate
Working Inside the Accelerate and Innovation Team
You will belong to the Accelerate and Innovation team, which is involved in:
🚀 Supporting initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of technology R&D activities through digitalisation, process optimisation, automation and continuous improvement
🧩 Ensuring the integration of data, knowledge and digital tools across technology strategy, roadmaps, R&D activities and reporting processes to support informed decision-making and organisational learning
🤖 Exploring opportunities for process automation and digitalisation, including the use of AI, with a focus on management reporting and knowledge-sharing tools
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What You Will Gain by the End of the Internship
At the end of the internship, you will:
🔬 Gain hands-on experience in the analysis of a large-scale technology strategy, including the collection and synthesis of data across multiple programmes and domains
🖥️ Gain hands-on experience in harmonising digital management tools (SharePoint, Teams, dashboards, AI-based reporting) within a large international organisation
🗄️ Develop proficiency in structuring and managing technical repositories, including content migration and collaboration with the ESTEC/TEC Communication team
📉 Acquire skills in data visualisation and smart reporting
🎛️ Understand the role of digital tools in supporting strategic and operational decision-making
🏛️ Learn how to support high-level strategic activities, such as contributing to ESA's Technology Strategy
📚 Build familiarity with knowledge management practices and the integration of automation and AI
🌐 Gain experience in cross-directorate collaboration, working closely with both technical and communication teams across ESTEC and TEC
The Team Behind the Role: ESA's TEC-R Team
The TEC-R Team:
🧭 Defines and maintains ESA's technology strategy, ensuring alignment with Agency objectives and future programme needs
🔎 Identifies, assesses and prioritises technology development opportunities across all domains of space activities
📡 Monitors emerging technologies, technology trends and critical technologies relevant to European competitiveness and non-dependence
🔮 Prepares future missions, programmes and capabilities through studies, concept maturation and technology foresight activities
🗺️ Develops and maintains technology roadmaps that guide long-term investments and technology evolution
🧪 Manages ESA's technology R&D programmes and oversees the full technology lifecycle from early research to demonstration and application
🔗 Coordinates technology development activities across ESA programmes, Directorates and stakeholders
🤝 Interfaces with Member States, the European Commission, industry, academia and institutional partners on technology matters
📈 Monitors the execution, performance and impact of technology development activities and programmes
📢 Communicates technology achievements, results and strategic directions to stakeholders and decision-making bodies
🏭 Promotes the transfer, exploitation and industrial uptake of technology developments across the European space sector
⚡ Accelerates innovation through digitalisation, automation, knowledge management and continuous process improvement
🧠 Enables data-driven decision making by integrating technology, programme and performance information across the R&D ecosystem
💡 Fosters innovation, advanced concepts and new ways of working to prepare ESA for future technological challenges and opportunities
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website.
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.
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.
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, Selection Tests and Export Control
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. 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.
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
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 Accelerate and Innovation Technology Team internship based?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. The vacancy lists the workplace as Noordwijk, NL, within the Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.
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?
Your main task is to support the preparation of the next Technology Strategy at Directorate Level. You prepare supporting material for TEC management, collect, consolidate and analyse data from ESA's technology programmes and domains, and support guidelines to harmonise the use of digital tools such as SharePoint and Teams across the TEC Directorate.
What will I learn?
You gain hands-on experience in analysing a large-scale technology strategy and in harmonising digital management tools, develop proficiency in structuring technical repositories, and acquire skills in data visualisation and smart reporting. You also build familiarity with knowledge management practices, automation and AI, and gain experience in cross-directorate collaboration.
What is the Accelerate and Innovation team?
It is the team you belong to during the internship. It supports initiatives to improve the efficiency of technology R&D activities through digitalisation, process optimisation, automation and continuous improvement, and explores process automation and digitalisation, including the use of AI, with a focus on management reporting and knowledge-sharing tools.
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.
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-Technology-Department-Accelerate-and-Innovation-Technology-Team/1452882033/
📘 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
