Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Web-Based Operations Tools

European Space Agency - ESA; Darmstadt; Presencial; EUR 10.000 - 13.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

European Space Agency - ESA in Darmstadt is seeking an Intern in the Mission Operations Department to help design and extend web-based operations tools. You will work on backend data retrieval and processing as well as frontend visualization and modification of operational planning data.

The role focuses on creating backend services and frontend features to support flight control teams, with opportunities to contribute to architecture and testing across the project lifecycle.

Formación

• University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of a Master’s programme.
• Able to prove enrolment at the university for the entire internship duration.
• Knowledge of English and French is required; another ESA language is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Assess existing tools and functionalities within the division.
• Collect user requirements for web-based tools.
• Develop concept and software architecture to support identified needs.
• Implement and test the proposed solution(s).

Conocimientos

Python

JavaScript

REST APIs

Backend development

Frontend development

Educación

Master's level student

Herramientas

Django

Angular

Descripción del empleo

Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Web-Based Operations Tools

Job Requisition ID: 21131

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

The Operations Definition and Engineering Team is an expert team responsible for providing Ground Segment and Operations support throughout the early phases of missions, including participation in CDF and phase A/B1. The Team also provides expertise to other projects and studies, including research and development of tools and methods for operations, and providing operations to non-traditional missions. The Team currently supports missions like Cluster (disposal phase), SpaceRider, Plasma Observatory and Henon.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

During your internship, you will be assigned to the Solar System & Exploration Missions Division which is responsible for operating the spacecraft of the Agency’s interplanetary fleet. Your assignment will focus primarily on the creation and extension of web-based operations tools which will support the flight control teams and spacecraft controllers in the execution of their daily work. In particular, you will design and develop backend functionalities for the retrieval, processing and generation of operational planning information and spacecraft configuration data as well as frontend features for appropriate visualisation and modification of said data.

This will involve tasks such as:

• Assessment of relevant existing tools and functionalities within the division;
• collection of user requirements;
• devising a concept and software architecture to support the identified requirements;
• implementation and testing of the identified solution(s).

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 experience in the following areas would be an asset:

• Python, Javascript or other programming languages;
• back-end development, e.g. Django;
• front-end development, e.g. Angular;
• Web Server Architecture;
• REST APIs.

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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