Intern in the Mechanical Department - Propulsion Engineering Section

ESA - European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Noordwijk, NL invites a Master’s-level aerospace engineering student for a propulsion engineering internship. You will engage with the Chemical Propulsion Section, contribute to IP-CCI initiatives, and support the team on propulsion technologies and roadmaps.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning and cross-team collaboration in ESA projects. The program requires active university enrollment for the full duration and strong English skills; French is an asset.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Master's level aerospace engineering program.
• Proof of enrollment for the entire internship duration.
• Knowledge of space propulsion engineering and subsystems is preferred.
• Interest in spacecraft and propulsion missions in ESA programs.
• Good command of English; knowledge of another ESA language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support TEC-MPC tasks in propulsion engineering and related studies.
• Assist in IP-CCI technology roadmap monitoring and reporting.
• Contribute to internal reports, synthesis papers and campaign materials.
• Collaborate with teams to prepare technical documentation for contracts.

Skills

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

Master's level aerospace

Aerospace propulsion focus

Job description

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Intern in the Mechanical Department - Propulsion Engineering Section

Job Requisition ID: 21042

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Our team and mission

The Chemical Propulsion Engineering Section (TEC-MPC), part of the Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division, has the following tasks:

• provide technical support and consultancy in space transportation propulsion (liquid, including storable and cryogenic technologies, and solid propulsion) and spacecraft propulsion (various chemical propulsion technologies) to the Agency project teams responsible for the development of launchers and spacecraft, throughout all project phases;
• contribute to the preparation of work plans in the areas of space transportation and spacecraft propulsion in the Agency’s technological programmes, with a particular contribution expected on systems and new propulsion aspects;
• prepare and manage, from a technical perspective, ESA contracts for studies, experimental investigations, and engineering development activities in space propulsion.

You will be integrated into the ESA Chemical Propulsion Section, reporting directly to the Head of Section and the Head of Division. In this role, you will develop skills and expertise while supporting the team in implementing the Innovative Propulsion Cross-Cutting Initiative (ESA IP-CCI) through technical and personal development in the following areas:

• contributing to the development of key ESA technologies, including monitoring progress and updating the IP-CCI technology roadmaps;
• conducting comprehensive assessments of European R&D activities related to IP-CCI topics;
• supporting the Division in implementing activities approved at the ESA Ministerial Conference 2025 (CM25), preparing internal performance indicators and supporting the preparation of ESA Ministerial Conference 2028;
• assisting with OSIP campaigns related to IP-CCI, including producing synthesis reports;
• contributing to corporate initiatives, such as workshops and conferences, to enhance the visibility of the propulsion strategy and its implementation to ESA stakeholders.

• 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.

You should also have:

• successfully completed a university course in aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on space propulsion;
• knowledge of space propulsion engineering, including propulsion subsystems and their interactions with, and impact on, other associated spacecraft/space vehicle subsystems;
• a strong interest in spacecraft and space vehicles, particularly those related to missions undertaken by ESA;
• a solid theoretical and historical understanding of space propulsion, combined with the ability to envision how future propulsion systems could operate and be integrated into spacecraft and space vehicles under development;
• knowledge of systems engineering would be considered an additional 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.