Intern in the Systems Department - Cost Engineering Section

European Space Agency; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

European Space Agency invites applications for an Intern in the Systems Department – Cost Engineering Section in Noordwijk, NL. The role focuses on supporting cost estimation activities, maintaining cost databases, and assisting in cost model development within ESA projects and Concurrent Design Facility studies.

The intern will work in a small team of nine permanent staff, gaining experience in cost engineering, system engineering and project management, with exposure to engineering tools and

Qualifications

• Must be a university student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master’s level.
• Must be enrolled at the university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Knowledge of cost estimating and cost modelling is preferred.
• Knowledge of project management and related financial areas is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance of the technical-economic database for cost modelling.
• Maintenance and development of cost engineering tools and models.
• Support to Cost Engineers in studies, especially those in the Concurrent Design Facility.

Skills

Cost estimation

Cost modelling

Project management

Excel

SharePoint

Education

Master’s degree candidate

Tools

Excel

Microsoft SharePoint

Job description

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Intern in the Systems Department - Cost Engineering Section

Job Requisition ID: 21058

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 Cost Engineering Section provides cost engineering support, tools and estimates to ESA projects and studies, including studies conducted in the Concurrent Design Facility. The focus of the section is the preparation of cost estimates and the review of cost estimates and financial proposals prepared by industry for projects in the early stages of definition (Phase 0, A and B1). The cost estimating process is approached from a system engineering point of view, and is hence more of a technical discipline than a financial/economic one.

The section is relatively small, with a total of nine permanent staff, a great team spirit, and good support and interesting work for interns, providing valuable experience for a career in cost engineering, system engineering and project management.

As an intern in the Cost Engineering section, you will be involved in the following activities:

• maintenance of the technical-economic database that constitutes the backbone of the cost modelling capabilities;
• maintenance and development of cost engineering tools and models;
• support to Cost Engineers in various studies, mostly those performed in the Concurrent Design Facility.

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.

The following are assets for this internship:

• knowledge of cost estimating and cost modelling;
• knowledge and background in engineering, and specifically space system engineering;
• knowledge of project management and related financial areas;
• proficiency with office automation software and customisation (e.g. Microsoft SharePoint and Excel).

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.

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.