Intern in the Science Contracts Service

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA's Science Contracts Service in Noordwijk, NL, offers an internship to a motivated university student. You will assist with procurement for the Science Programme, review documents, and analyze contractual questions under a contracts officer's supervision.

Internship tasks include comparing contract approaches and engaging with technical, legal and programmatic teams to ensure timely, compliant procurement for missions and studies.

Qualifications

• University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of a Master’s programme.
• Must prove enrollment for the entire internship duration.
• Strong communication skills in English (knowledge of French is an asset).
• Interest in contract, procurement or international business law is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support contracting activities for the Science Programme by reviewing procurement documents and provisions.
• Analyze contractual, programmatic and procedural questions.
• Compare approaches across contract types and contribute under supervision.
• Engage with technical, legal and programmatic stakeholders to aid procurement cases.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to interact with international

Discretion and integrity

Team collaboration

Forward thinking

Education

Master's level student

Job description

Intern in the Science Contracts Service

Job Requisition ID: 21093

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

The Science Contracts Service supports the European Space Agency's Science Programme by delivering effective, transparent and timely procurement for scientific missions, studies, technology activities and mission operations.

Our focus is to help Science teams move efficiently from contract planning to contract signature and implementation, while maintaining sound governance, fair competition and value for money, including (but not limited to) for the upcoming exciting missions of LISA, EnVision, NewAthena.

Within the Contracts Department, the CFO-CX Contracts Division is in charge of the implementation of all activities in support of the Science and the Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes Directorates. The relevant contracts cover a wide range of complexity, from a few 100 K° R&D to large Satellites Projects of several 100 M€.

The Division implements all related contracting tasks, ranging from tendering, planning and issue of invitations to tender, to evaluation of proposals, negotiation of contracts as well as their signature and monitoring.

Also, in parallel the Division contributes to the improvement of the overall Regulatory frame in the Contracts Department, and supports the general work initiated in the Department to improve time to contract.

You will join an international team at the European Space Research and Technology Centre in Noordwijk in the Netherlands, collaborating with contracts officers and engaging with Science stakeholders.

The environment combines procurement, legal and programmatic analysis, collaboration and continuous improvement.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

• You will support contracting activities for the Science Programme. You will help review procurement documentation and contractual provisions;
• analyse contractual, programmatic and procedural questions;
• compare approaches across different contract types;
• and contribute to active procurement cases under the supervision of a contracts officer, with due regard to operational and time-efficiency as well as continuous evolutions.

By the end of the internship, you will understand the main stages of public procurement in the space sector, apply contractual and regulatory principles and collaborate effectively with technical, legal and programmatic stakeholders.

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.
• Priority will be given to candidates studying Law.
• Knowledge and background in space domain/technology is considered an asset.
• A good knowledge in contract, procurement or international business law, intellectual property law is considered an asset.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to interact with multiple international actors and to work collaboratively in a team to achieve organisational goals.
• Discretion and integrity.

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).