Intern in the Mechanical Department - Robotics Section

ESA - European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Noordwijk is offering an internship in the Mechanical Department - Robotics Section to contribute to robotics R&D, prototyping and testing within the ARL labs at ESTEC. The role involves working with a team of engineers across the Planetary, Human Interaction and Orbital Robotics Laboratories.

Applicants must be university students, preferably in the final or penultimate year of a Master’s degree, and must be able to stay enrolled for the duration of the internship.

Qualifications

• University student in final or penultimate year, enrolled for the entire internship.
• Interest in robotics and automation for space applications.
• Knowledge of prototyping robotic systems is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support Robotics Section laboratories at ESTEC, contributing to experiments and tests.
• Assist in R&D on robotics concepts, including prototyping and testing.
• Collaborate with third parties to discuss hardware/software concepts and procurement.
• Support ARL activities and CDF studies as required.

Skills

English proficiency

French proficiency

Prototype knowledge

Education

Master student in Mechanical/Robotics/Automation

Tools

Robotics prototyping tools

Lab equipment handling

Job description

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Intern in the Mechanical Department - Robotics Section

Job Requisition ID: 21045

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 Robotics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of space robotics systems (from manipulators to autonomous vehicles) and laboratories supporting automation and robotics in crewed and uncrewed missions.

As part of our team of mechanical, electrical, control, and software engineers, you will contribute to the work of the Robotics Section at ESTEC, and in particular to the Automation and Robotics Laboratories (ARL), which consist of three areas:

• the Planetary Robotics Laboratory where the work focuses on the design of rovers for planetary exploration;
• the Human Interaction Laboratory which focuses on the collaboration of robotic systems and operators;
• the Orbital Robotics Laboratory which focuses on activities such as Active Debris Removal and In-Orbit Servicing.

The laboratory you will be working in and the tasks you will be given will depend on your final qualification, interests and needs of the Section but will be in the form of the following:

• the laboratory is hosting third parties for tests: the preparation of the facilities and the support provided by the section personnel are vital for this;
• research and development on novel robotics and autonomous systems: you are expected to maintain the knowledge in the field of the current robotics developments. Furthermore, you will conduct independent research and development on robotics concepts coming from internal ideas of the section. Such work includes concept designing, prototyping, testing to prove the idea viable;
• collaboration with third parties companies in the frame of hardware development and procurement: the ARL has a constant need to upgrade and adjust its inventory in order to support new activities. You will be intimately involved in this process by directly interacting with third parties to discuss concepts, and trade-off solutions in order to procure equipment or software;
• support relevant R&D activities or CDF studies when necessary: the section staff supervises a number of industrial R&D activities in all fields related to space robotics. You will have the opportunity to participate in reviews and otherwise support the activities as required.

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 prototyping robotic systems 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.