Intern in the Systems Department - Space Systems Section

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 10,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA, the European Space Agency, invites applications for an internship in the Systems Department – Space Systems Section at ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands. You will work with experts across TEC-SYS, TEC-SFA and TEC-SFD on modelling, AI integration, and prototype development for mission concepts.

The programme emphasises English or French language proficiency, with collaboration across disciplines and exposure to cutting-edge tools and concurrent design activities.

Qualifications

• Must be a university student enrolled for the entire duration of the internship.
• Good knowledge of English or French is required.
• Experience with AI, modelling tools, or software engineering 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 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.

Job description

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

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

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.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

• 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.

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.

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.