Intern in the Systems Department - Space Systems Section

European Space Agency; Nederland; Hybrid; EUR 13,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) invites an internship in the Systems Department - Space Systems Section, based in Noordwijk, NL. The intern will explore how AI can support modelling of mission concepts and spacecraft design options within early phase studies, collaborating with TEC-SYS and TEC-SFA teams.

You will assess modelling uses, identify toolchains, and prototype interfaces enabling AI agents to interact with engineering tools while supporting continuous improvement and cross-disciplinary

Qualifications

• University student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master’s program.
• You must be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
• Working languages are English and French; knowledge of another ESA language is a plus.
• Experience with AI/ML, systems engineering and modelling tools is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assess the modelling use cases for systems engineering during early phase studies.
• Develop a systematic approach to how AI can support modelling mission concepts and spacecraft design options.
• Identify tools and toolchains with which the AI would interact.
• Develop and evaluate interfaces allowing AI agents to use selected modelling and engineering tools.
• Demonstrate the approach through a prototype on representative early phase engineering tasks.

Skills

Systems engineering

Early phase studies

Concurrent design

Large Language Models

AI agents

Software development

Engineering modelling tools

Education

Master's degree student

Job description

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Intern in the Systems Department - Space Systems Section

Job Requisition ID: 21059

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Our team and mission

This internship is hosted by the Space Segment Systems Engineering section (TEC-SYS), which is providing systems engineering support across all ESA directorates in both early and later mission phases. During your internship, you are going to collaborate with experts from both the AI & Advanced Eng. Methods section (TEC-SFA) and the Concurrent Design Facility section (TEC-SFD). TEC-SFA is developing and providing cutting-edge methods and tools to systems engineers across the Agency. TEC-SFD is performing early‑phase studies for both internal and external customers to define mission scenarios and high‑level system design trades.

Under the supervision of the tutor, you are going to:

• assess the modelling use cases for systems engineering during early phase studies;
• develop a systematic approach to how AI can support modelling mission concepts and spacecraft design options;
• identify the relevant tools and toolchains with which the AI would have to interact;
• develop and evaluate interfaces allowing AI agents to use selected modelling and engineering tools;
• demonstrate the approach through a prototype on representative early phase engineering tasks.

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.

Experience in systems engineering, early phase studies and concurrent design, as well as experience with Large Language Models, AI agents, software development or engineering modelling tools, is also considered 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.