Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Project Support

European Space Agency; Paris; Hybrid; EUR 10,000 - 13,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

The European Space Agency (ESA) invites applications for an Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Project Support at the ESA Headquarters in Paris, France. You will provide project support across the FIRST! Propulsion and THRUST!

initiatives, participate in procurement planning, organise meetings, review proposals and help manage ongoing projects. You must be a Master’s student, enrolled for the entire internship, and proficient in English or French, with knowledge

Qualifications

• Must be a university student in your final or second-to-last year of a Master’s degree.
• Must prove enrollment for the entire duration of the internship.
• Working languages are English and French; proficiency in one is required.
• Knowledge of space propulsion and project lifecycles is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support FIRST! Propulsion Initiative project management and procurement prep.
• Assist with THRUST! initiative procurement and internal reviews.
• Help organise Future Access to Space Club events and databases.
• Contribute to knowledge management and supplier coordination for FLPP.

Skills

Master's student

English/French

Space propulsion familiarity

Education

Master's student

Job description

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Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Project Support

Job Requisition ID: 20970

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Directorate: Space Transportation

Workplace: Paris, FR

Location
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Our team and mission

As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), the Future Space Transportation team (STS-F, including the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme - FLPP) is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. It is therefore responsible for:

• conducting system studies and establishing Technology Roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines;
• supporting the assessment of the overall coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation;
• preparing new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP);
• leading the implementation of the FLPP Technology Roadmaps, including the maturation of key technologies for future space transportation (Avionics & GNC, Structures, Materials and Processes, Propulsion and Modelling & Simulation) and the development of demonstrators (such as Prometheus and Themis).

Providing project support in the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which leads the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. This includes:

• supporting the FIRST! Propulsion Initiative, including the project management of ongoing projects; supporting open OSIP calls (not necessarily limited to Propulsion but potentially also linked to other launcher technologies); supporting the preparation of the specific open competition procurement process for the next FIRST! Propulsion call including the preparation and review of procurement documents, organisation of internal meetings, evaluation of proposals, support to negotiation and project kick-off and subsequent management of projects;
• supporting the THRUST! Initiative, including the finalisation of the procurement of the next THRUST! phase including organisation of internal meetings, evaluation of proposals, support to negotiation, and project kick-off (as necessary);
• supporting the Future Access to Space Club - organisation of online and in-person events as needed; maintaining the contact database; performance/follow-up of specific actions identified during club meetings (as necessary);
• identifying best practices and improvements in Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes;
• conducting technical analysis of proposals according to FLPP criteria and procedures, with a strong focus on liquid propulsion;
• managing and regularly updating FLPP databases, namely of technology evaluation/roadmapping and European space companies intelligence gathering, with a focus on new space companies in Europe with a significant activity in propulsion;
• supporting FLPP knowledge management processes; standardisation, simplification, and optimisation of project management processes including use development and use of efficient tools for management and reporting;
• participating in and reporting on launcher technology and research meetings and workshops in order to assess potential technologies and identify potential providers.

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 background in space, specifically space transportation vehicles, propulsion is a strong asset.

Knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is a strong asset.

Knowledge of the European Space Transportation industry is 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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.