Intern in the Space Safety Programme - Mission Implementation Division (Clear Space 1)

EU Satellite Centre (SatCen); Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA's Space Safety Department at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, offers an internship focused on debris removal and in-orbit servicing. You will work across mission concepts, support system engineering activities, and interact with experienced engineers and European partners.

This six-month program emphasizes learning by doing, collaboration, and clear communication of complex technical information within an international team.

Qualifications

• You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level.
• You must be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required.
• A background in space systems engineering would be an asset.
• A six-month commitment is preferred, depending on availability.
• You thrive in a team, are curious about debris removal and in-orbit servicing, and are ready to contribute ideas.

Responsibilities

• Support system engineering activities for spacecraft detailed design and preparation of its verification.
• Help analyze requirements implementation and interfaces, review technical documentation, and follow design trade-offs.
• Help organize project reviews and coordinate inputs across engineering disciplines.
• Learn how a complex space mission is developed from goals to technical solutions.
• Communicate technical information clearly and work collaboratively in an international team.

Skills

English

French

Education

Master's student (final year)

Job description

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The ESA Space Safety Department takes care of all potential hazards and threats from space or in space, which can impact human activities, infrastructure, or related applications. The spectrum of tasks ranges from gathering the basic understanding of space hazards originating from our Sun, from human space debris, or from asteroids potentially colliding with the Earth. It also addresses basic approaches to mitigate these hazards and to implement space systems end-to-end in a sustainable and eco-compatible way. Moreover, several corner stone missions are underway to demonstrate basic methods of space weather forecasting, asteroid deflection and active space debris removal from orbit.

In execution of these tasks, the Space Safety Department has the following entities:

• Mission Implementation Division (OPS-SM);
• COSMIC Project Management Office (OPS-SC);
• Space Weather Office (OPS-SW);
• Planetary Defence Office (OPS-SP);
• Space Debris Office (OPS-SD);
• Clean Space & Circular Economy Office (OPS-SY);
• Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF);
• Programme Coordination Office (OPS-SX).

Within the Space Safety Missions Implementation Division, you will operate in a dynamic, international environment where new mission concepts become real spacecraft and you will contribute to missions in their detailed design, development, integration and operational preparation phases (Phase B2/C/D). The focus is on active debris removal and in-orbit servicing—two fast-growing fields that are redefining how spacecraft are maintained and how crowded orbits are managed.

These missions develop and demonstrate technologies for rendezvous, inspection, capture, life extension, relocation, de-orbiting and repair. You will collaborate with experienced ESA specialists and innovative European companies, gaining a close-up view of both cutting-edge engineering and the emerging commercial market for sustainable space services.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

ClearSpace-1: Contribute to the first mission designed to capture and remove an unprepared, non-cooperative ESA space object from low Earth orbit. The mission must operate in challenging dynamic and lighting conditions and will demonstrate Europe’s commitment to taking responsibility for the space environment.

As a member of one of the two above project teams, you will support system engineering activities for the spacecraft detailed design and preparation of its verification. Depending on the project’s needs and your interests, you may help analyse requirements implementation and interfaces, review technical documentation, follow detailed design trade-offs, help organise project reviews, and coordinate inputs across engineering disciplines.

Throughout the internship, you will learn how a complex space mission is developed end to end, how systems engineers turn mission goals into coherent technical solutions, and how multidisciplinary teams make decisions under real programme constraints. You will strengthen your ability to communicate technical information clearly, work collaboratively and apply system thinking to an operational space project.

This is an opportunity to make a visible contribution to a real mission while learning from experts at the forefront of sustainable spaceflight.

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.

You will thrive in this internship if you are curious about debris removal and in-orbit servicing, enjoy working with others and are ready to take initiative.

We welcome students who are eager to learn, ask thoughtful questions and contribute ideas.

A background in space systems engineering would be an asset, but enthusiasm for complex space missions and a strong willingness to learn are equally important.

Due to the nature of the post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on the candidate’s availability.

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.