Intern in the Mechanical Department - Structures Section

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Structures Section TEC-MSS is in charge of all structural engineering aspects:

• Structural Design and Verification Methods / Tools;
• Static / Dynamics / Vibro-Acoustics;
• Crash / Impacts / Meteoroids Absorption Analysis;
• Damage Tolerance / Fracture Control / Health Monitoring;
• Fluid Structure Interaction (e.g. Sloshing);
• Launcher Coupled Dynamic Analysis;
• Demisability / Re-Usability;
• Thermo-Elastic distortion;
• High Stability / High Precision Structures;
• Active / Adaptive Structures;
• Inflatable and Deployable Structures;
• Launchers / Re-Entry (Hot Structures) / Planetary Landing Vehicles;
• Crew Habitation / EVA Suits.

The ESA Structures Section brings together a diverse team of approximately 43 engineers and specialists covering the complete structural lifecycle of space systems - from early concept development and structural sizing to analysis, verification, testing and in-flight performance.

Our expertise includes structural design and analysis, loads and coupled-loads analysis, structural dynamics, vibro-acoustics, shock, micro-vibration, thermo-elastic performance, fracture control and fatigue, advanced materials and manufacturing, deployable structures, structural digitalisation and emerging technologies. The team supports ESA missions across Earth observation, science, exploration, telecommunications, navigation and space transportation, working closely with project teams, European industry, research organisations and partner agencies.

Our mission is to ensure that European spacecraft, payloads and launch systems are structurally robust, reliable and fit for purpose throughout their operational life. We provide independent technical expertise, solve complex engineering challenges and help projects manage structural risks through sound engineering judgement and proportionate verification.

Beyond direct project support, the Section develops new technologies and methodologies, preserves and shares structural-engineering knowledge, contributes to European standards and technical guidelines, and strengthens industrial capabilities. By connecting operational experience with research and innovation, we aim to anticipate future needs and maintain Europe’s technical excellence and autonomy in spacecraft structures.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will contribute to the development and analysis of advanced structural solutions for space systems. The internship will focus on applying modern design, simulation, and testing methods to improve the performance, reliability, and efficiency of spacecraft structures.

Depending on your background and interests, you may work in one of several key domains, such as:

• structural optimisation: exploring lightweight and high-performance structural concepts through numerical and computational design methods;
• fracture control and damage tolerance: supporting studies and simulations related to material strength, crack propagation, and structural integrity in extreme environments;
• vibro-acoustics: analysing vibration and acoustic environments during launch and their influence on structural behaviour;
• ultra-stable structures: investigating thermo-elastic stability and precision design techniques for optical or scientific payloads;
• hypervelocity impacts: studying the effects of micrometeoroid and debris impacts on spacecraft structures and assessing protection or resilience strategies through modelling and test data.

You will learn how advanced structural engineering is applied to real space missions, gaining hands-on experience with modelling tools, simulation techniques, and engineering processes. Throughout the internship, you will be supported by experienced mentors who will help you connect theoretical knowledge with practical challenges in spacecraft design and verification.

Learning outcomes include developing a system-level understanding of spacecraft structures, applying modern analytical and computational methods, and strengthening problem-solving and communication skills in a multidisciplinary engineering 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.

Knowledge and background should be in the field of mechanical/aeronautical engineering. Experience with relevant engineering software tools would be 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 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.