Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - Navigation Support Office

European Space Agency - ESA; Darmstadt; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites university students to join the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department – Navigation Support Office for an internship in Darmstadt, Germany. You will contribute to navigation and geodesy research, data analysis, and software development in an international team, with exposure to real mission applications and state-of-the-art technologies.

The programme emphasises collaboration with universities and international organisations, offering hands-on

Qualifications

• Must be a university student enrolled for the entire duration of the internship.
• Preferably in final or second-to-last year of master’s level studies.

Responsibilities

• Analysing satellite and space geodetic observation data
• Developing or validating algorithms, models and software tools
• Supporting the generation and assessment of high-precision navigation and geodetic products
• Investigating satellite performance and orbit determination results

Skills

Satellite navigation

Space geodesy

Orbit determination

Data analysis

Software development

Education

Master's student

Job description

Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - Navigation Support Office

Job Requisition ID: 21144

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

Closing Date: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

You will join a team responsible for providing the spatial and temporal reference that enables European space missions to determine their position, navigate accurately, and maintain precise timing. The team supports missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon, delivering operational services, scientific expertise, and advanced analysis capabilities that are essential for mission success.

The team operates a global infrastructure for the collection, processing and analysis of satellite navigation and geodetic observations. By combining data from satellite navigation systems, laser ranging stations and other space geodetic techniques, the team generates high-precision products used by space missions, scientific communities and international partners. The team also contributes to the global geodetic infrastructure that underpins positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

As an intern, you will be part of an international and multidisciplinary environment involving precise satellite navigation, space geodesy, orbit determination, data analysis, and software development.

Depending on the specific project, you may contribute to:

• Analysing satellite and space geodetic observation data;
• developing or validating algorithms, models and software tools;
• supporting the generation and assessment of high-precision navigation and geodetic products;
• investigating satellite performance and orbit determination results;
• collaborating with experts from universities, research institutes, and international organisations.

You will be part of a team that combines operational responsibility with research and innovation. The working environment offers exposure to real mission applications, international collaborations and state-of-the-art technologies supporting current and future European space missions.

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

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.

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.

Knowledge and background in precise navigation topics such as orbit determination and geodesy are an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek 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. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

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.

Nationality

Please note that 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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