Intern in the P120/P160C Team - Rocket Propulsion Indicators and Applications of Energetic Materials

ESA - European Space Agency; Paris; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Paris invites university students to join the P120/P160C Team for an internship focused on rocket propulsion indicators and energetic materials applications. You will analyze data from tests and flights, develop monitoring indicators, and create dashboards to support performance assessments.

You'll work with the solid propulsion team to explore new uses of energetic materials, benchmark technologies, and report results in an international environment.

Qualifications

• Student in a Master's program in Engineering or equivalent.
• Interest in research and development, space technologies, and innovation.
• Enrolled for the entire duration of the internship; strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of Python or similar programming tools is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from ground tests and flights and assess dispersion of performance parameters.
• Propose monitoring indicators and develop dashboards to support performance analysis.
• Analyze trends and explore improvements for propulsion systems.
• Conduct literature reviews and benchmark energetic materials and applications.

Skills

Data analysis

Rocket propulsion knowledge

Dashboard development

Technology benchmarking

Energetic materials knowledge

Technical reporting

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

Python

Job description

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Intern in the P120/P160C Team - Rocket Propulsion Indicators and Applications of Energetic Materials

Job Requisition ID: 20974

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

The ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS) is responsible for ensuring Europe’s independent access to space through the development, qualification and exploitation of launch systems such as Ariane 6, Vega-C and future transportation systems. Within STS, the solid propulsion team focuses primarly on the development, qualification and performance monitoring of Europe’s solid rocket motors: the P120C serves as both the first stage of Vega-C and the booster of Ariane 6, while the P160C is its enhanced evolution aimed at increasing launcher performance and payload capacity. The team supports test campaigns, data analysis, post-flight assessments and the continuous improvement of these strategic systems.

Solid rocket motors and energetic materials are key components of current and future space systems. In a context of continuous performance improvement and the emergence of new applications, this internship aims to assess solid rocket motor indicators while exploring potential new uses of energetic materials.

During this internship, you will contribute to the following activities:

1. Solid rocket motors:

• become familiar with solid propulsion;
• process and analyse available data from ground tests and flights and assess the dispersion of key performance parameters;
• propose relevant monitoring indicators and develop related dashboards to support performance analysis and monitoring;
• analyse trends;
• support the identification of improvements or future developments for Ariane and Vega.

2. Other uses of energetic materials:

• conduct literature reviews on the use of energetic materials in space applications (including launch escape towers);
• map current applications and use cases;
• benchmark existing and emerging alternative technologies/systems;
• analyse potential applications.

Skills you will develop:

• data analysis;
• solid rocket motor knowledge;
• development of technical indicators and monitoring dashboards;
• technology intelligence and benchmarking;
• knowledge of energetic materials and their space applications;
• technical reporting and presentation of results in an international environment.

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.

Your profile:

You should have a strong interest in research and development, space technologies and innovation. You should be curious, proactive and eager to explore multidisciplinary topics, with the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team. You should also have strong analytical, communication and reporting skills.

The following would be considered assets:

• being enrolled in the second year of a Master's degree in Engineering, or an equivalent programme, with a specialisation in mechanics, materials, or energetics;
• familiarity with scientific data analysis and programming tools such as Python or equivalent.

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.