Intern in the Mechanical Department - Thermal Control Section

European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 4,500 - 10,000; Part time

Job summary

European Space Agency in Noordwijk, Netherlands, is offering an internship in the Mechanical Department – Thermal Control Section. You will work with the Thermal Control Section (TEC-MTT) on thermal design, cryogenics, heat transfer, and protection technologies for space systems, gaining hands-on experience under a university-approved program.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Master’s program for the entire duration and have good English skills; knowledge of French is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must be a university student enrolled for the full duration of the internship.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of French is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Thermal Design & Analysis: perform thermal design and analyses per project requirements and ESA tools.
• Cryogenics: investigate cryogenic technologies for future spacecraft.
• Heat Transfer & Heat Rejection: study heat transport technologies and loops for thermal control.
• Thermal Protection: explore thermal protection technologies for missions and launchers.
• Generic thermal control technologies: investigate tunable coatings, phase-change materials, and heat pumps; exceptional for small satellites.

Skills

English

French

Education

Master's student

Job description

Intern in the Mechanical Department - Thermal Control Section

Job Requisition ID: 21047

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

Thermal Control Section (TEC-MTT): The section is responsible for all ESA activities related to thermal engineering, related R&D activities and hardware for the thermal control of space systems. It is the centre of competence within the Agency for design and verification of passive and active thermal control systems, cryogenics and refrigeration, heat transport, heat storage and rejection, thermal insulations and thermal protection.

Space Thermal Control Engineering, covering one or several of the activities below:

• Thermal Design & Analysis: Perform thermal design and associated analysis, including steady state/transient analyses of instrument and satellites following familiarisation with project requirements and Agency’s tools (ESATAN-TMS). This may also include in‑flight correlation of thermal analysis models for ESA projects;


• Cryogenics: Investigate cryogenic technologies (active and passive coolers) for applications in future ESA spacecraft and launchers;


• Heat Transfer & Heat Rejection: Investigate heat transport technologies such as capillary and mechanically pumped two‑phase loops, single‑phase loops, heat pipes for thermal control;


• Thermal Protection: Investigate thermal protection technologies (both re‑usable and ablative) for on‑going and future missions (e.g. planetary exploration and sample return missions) and re‑usable launchers;


• Generic thermal control technologies: Investigate innovative and advanced technologies for the Thermal Control Subsystem e.g. tunable infrared emittance coatings with electrochromic‑based solutions, phase‑change materials, heat pumps, etc. Investigate specific thermal technologies for small satellites and CubeSats.

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.

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.