Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Reusability Section

ESA - European Space Agency; Paris; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites students to join the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department, Reusability Section, for a hands-on internship in Paris. You will support reusability initiatives, analyse space transportation concepts, and assist ongoing ESA demonstration projects under supervision.

The role requires a university student in a Master’s program and enrollment for the entire duration.

Qualifications

• You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of your Master's program.
• You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical project support to the reusability section.
• Conduct global space transportation analyses and syntheses from various sources.
• Assist with tasks related to ongoing ESA demonstration projects.

Skills

Knowledge of Technology Readiness

Project life cycles

Education

Master's student

enrolled for duration

Job description

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Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Reusability Section

Job Requisition ID: 20972

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

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 flagship demonstrators (such as Prometheus and Themis).

The STS-FR section is in charge of the technologies maturations and flagship demonstrations related to reusability of space transportation systems and their associated support equipment.

You will be expected to provide technical project support to the reusability section of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which leads the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems.

The main priority will be determined jointly at the start of the internship, depending on the department’s actual needs:

• conducting “business and technical intelligence” on reusabe launch systems development approaches, establishing and maintaining a synthesis of the different realised or intended systems in the US, China, India, Europe, etc.;
• conducting global space transportation analysis using various internal and external sources, organising a synthesis by segment and associated needed transportation systems, and comparing market studies received from contractors, assessing the proposed business cases;
• depending on your technical capabilities and profile, providing support for specific tasks related to ongoing ESA demonstration projects.

In addition, and as running support activities:

• supporting the BEST! Initiative on first stages reusability;
• supporting the Access to Space Club - organisation of online and in-person events as needed;
• 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;
• supporting FLPP knowledge management processes; standardisation and simplification of project management processes including the development and use of efficient tools for management.

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 technical background in space, specifically space transportation vehicles and/or propulsion, is a strong asset.

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

Knowledge of the worldwide Space Transportation industry and ongoing projects is an asset.

Ability to communicate and read in German 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.