Intern in the Copernicus Space Office

European Space Agency - ESA; Frascati; On-site; EUR 7,800 - 12,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA's Copernicus Space Office in Frascati, Italy, offers an internship for university students to contribute to Earth Observation programs. You will explore topics on sustainability or security within the Copernicus Space Component, collaborating with experienced staff to help plan programmatic activities and enhance EU Copernicus related initiatives.

English or French language proficiency is required. You must remain enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship, and be

Qualifications

• 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.

Job description

Intern in the Copernicus Space Office

Job Requisition ID: 21167

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Location

ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Our team and mission

The Copernicus Space Office is responsible for programmatic activities, which are relevant to the Copernicus Space Component.

The tasks of the Office include, in particular:

• monitoring ESA's Copernicus Space Component activities and ensuring their coordination;
• ensuring coordination with the ESA-EU matters Committee and with COM in the implementation of the Copernicus Space Component by interfacing with COM Copernicus related Units services;
• coordinating the implementation of the EU-ESA Agreement on Copernicus and supporting negotiations for any amendments;
• preparing and planning programmatic aspects of the Copernicus Space Component evolution;
• preparing Copernicus Space Component programmatic documents and supporting Copernicus related negotiations with COM and other parties.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose among the following topics:

• Topic 1: Sustainability, climate neutrality, competitiveness and the future of the Copernicus Space Component The released proposal for a Regulation on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union (EU Space Act) introduces several articles on environmental sustainability of space activities affecting Copernicus related activities. The intern will review the latest EU legislation and assess the potential implications on the Copernicus Space Component and its implementation of the ESA Green Agenda and propose the possible next steps needed to achieve climate neutrality including short, medium and long term milestones such as: introduction of sustainability requirements for all CSC related activities, optimisation of related organisational schemes, etc.
• Topic 2: Security and resilience in Europe and the future of the Copernicus Space Component Security and Resilience are among the priorities of the European Union. In particular, Article 1 of the proposed Regulation for the future European Competitiveness Fund clearly identifies a "Resilience and Security, Defence, Industry and Space" window. As an EU led programme, Copernicus is called to address these concerns. In order to properly assess the possible implications of these concerns, the intern will survey emerging security and resilience requirements and related EU communications and legislation and explore the potential implications on the Copernicus Space Component proposing possible solutions to best respond to these growing needs.

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 background in EU policies, familiarity with the aerospace sector and engineering 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.

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).