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

ESA - European Space Agency; Darmstadt; On-site; EUR 10,000 - 12,000; Full time

Job summary

The European Space Agency in Darmstadt invites applications for an Intern in the Mission Operations Department. You will help build web-based tools that support flight control teams, focusing on backend data processing and frontend visualization.

You will assess existing tools, gather user requirements, design software architecture, implement and test solutions, and collaborate across teams in English/French environments.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a university for the full duration of the internship.
• Masters-level studies and availability for the entire period.
• Willingness to learn and apply software development practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop backend functionalities for data retrieval and processing.
• Create frontend features for visualization and modification of data.
• Assess existing tools, collect user requirements, and propose architecture.
• Implement and test the selected solution.

Skills

Result orientation

Operational efficiency

Cooperation

Relationship management

Continuous improvement

Forward thinking

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Django

Angular

REST APIs

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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

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.

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).

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

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:

• back-end development, e.g. Django;
• front-end development, e.g. Angular;
• 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).