Intern in the P120/P160C Team - Rocket Propulsion Indicators and Applications of Energetic Materials
- No experience required
About the job
## Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France ## Our team and mission The ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS) is responsible for ensuring Europe’s independent access to space through the development, qualification and exploitation of launch systems such as Ariane 6, Vega-C and future transportation systems.
Within STS, the solid propulsion team focuses primarly on the development, qualification and performance monitoring of Europe’s solid rocket motors: the P120C serves as both the first stage of Vega-C and the booster of Ariane 6, while the P160C is its enhanced evolution aimed at increasing launcher performance and payload capacity.
The team supports test campaigns, data analysis, post-flight assessments and the continuous improvement of these strategic systems. Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int ## Field(s) of activity for the internship Solid rocket motors and energetic materials are key components of current and future space systems.
In a context of continuous performance improvement and the emergence of new applications, this internship aims to assess solid rocket motor indicators while exploring potential new uses of energetic materials. During this internship, you will contribute to the following activities: ## 1.
Solid rocket motors - become familiar with solid propulsion; - process and analyse available data from ground tests and flights and assess the dispersion of key performance parameters; - propose relevant monitoring indicators and develop related dashboards to support performance analysis and monitoring; - analyse trends; - support the identification of improvements or future developments for Ariane and Vega. ## 2.
Other uses of energetic materials - conduct literature reviews on the use of energetic materials in space applications (including launch escape towers); - map current applications and use cases; - benchmark existing and emerging alternative technologies/systems; - analyse potential applications. ## Skills you will develop - data analysis; - solid rocket motor knowledge; - development of technical indicators and monitoring dashboards; - technology intelligence and benchmarking; - knowledge of energetic materials and their space applications; - technical reporting and presentation of results in an international environment. ## 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. ## Your profile You should have a strong interest in research and development, space technologies and innovation. You should be curious, proactive and eager to explore multidisciplinary topics, with the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team.
You should also have strong analytical, communication and reporting skills. ## The following would be considered assets - being enrolled in the second year of a Master's degree in Engineering, or an equivalent programme, with a specialisation in mechanics, materials, or energetics; - familiarity with scientific data analysis and programming tools such as Python or equivalent. ## 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 ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int . ## 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.
From European Space Agency (ESA)'s job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Moseley Technical ServicesEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm in Huntsville, Alabama, placing engineers and A&P, sheet metal, CNC and quality technicians.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions, write your internship essay or see every free tool.
New rocket propulsion and engine jobs, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About European Space Agency (ESA)
Europe's space agency, hiring engineers, scientists and graduate trainees at its centres in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium and France.
Pay on its listings: 0% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an ESA staff member on the agency's own payroll, under its staff regulations.
More open jobs at European Space Agency (ESA)
More rocket propulsion and engine jobs
- Propulsion Engineer, Components Manufacturing (Raptor)$100,000–$160,000/yr
- Senior Development Engineer$115,000–$145,000/yr
- Studentische Tätigkeit - Konstruktion, Betrieb und Auswertung eines Crawford Strand Burners Designs
- Motor Designer$133,500–$186,899/yr
- Senior Fluids and Propulsion Engineer – Lunar Permanence
- Associate Engineer, Propulsion Operations$88,279–$127,942/yr
Built or tested rocket engines?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
European Space Agency (ESA) openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from European Space Agency (ESA)'s own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.