Intern in the Systems Department - Concurrent Engineering and Future Missions Section
About the role
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Systems Department is responsible for Systems Engineering, its implementation within Projects and In Orbit Demonstration and the innovative solutions - in terms of technology and methodology - enhancing its effectiveness: Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Simulation, Augmented Reality, Concurrent and Collaborative Engineering, Cost Engineering, Digital Engineering, MBSE, Sustainability. Standardisation is also within the responsibility of the Systems Department, ensuring that processes are formalised and shared cross the broad community of space stakeholders.
The post you are applying for will be very much connected with the concurrent design environment (e.g. Concurrent Design Facility – ESA - Concurrent Design Facility ) and the digital tools enhancing collaboration (e.g. MBSE); moreover, you will get involved in diverse multidisciplinary tasks touching upon all the areas of competence of the Systems Department, making the experience unique and enriching.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
You will learn about competencies required to cover the role of a Systems Engineer by:
- Actively participating in and supporting:
- systems and concurrent engineering activities (including CDF Studies);
- technology developments (e.g. Digital Engineering, MBSE, Augmented Reality, AI and the innovative trends as identified by the ESA Technology Vision 2040);
- design models and methodologies developments (including MBSE, design to cost, sustainability and Zero Debris roadmaps implementation, etc.).
- Investigating how technology developments in digitalisation (e.g. MBSE, AI) and improved visualisation solutions (e.g. VR/AR) will shape integrated digital environments connecting data, processes and people.
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 in Engineering is an asset, as well as the following:
- knowledge and background in Systems Engineering, Mission Analysis and other system-related disciplines;
- knowledge and background in (model based) Systems Engineering and familiarity with COMET or similar tools;
- programming experience in either C-sharp and/or Python;
- proficiency with office automation software and customisation (e.g. Microsoft SharePoint and Excel);
- experience with SysML and modelling tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, Enterprise Architect or Capella;
- experience with engineering tools such as MATLAB Simulink, CATIA, ASTOS, ECOSIM pro;
- experience with web application development (front and back-end);
- practical experience with AR/VR/XR technologies, such as Hololens, Blender, Unity, Physx or similar.
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.
Copied from the listing European Space Agency (ESA) published, verified 1 Nov 2026.
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.
Similar open roles

Manager, Information Security Management (opens the job details)
SES · Software & IT · Bucharest, Romania· 1d agoDetails

Security Officer (opens the job details)
Blue Origin · Supply Chain · Greater Seattle Area· 2w agoDetails
$21.03–$29.44/hr
Vehicle Software Engineer - Summer Internship 2027 (opens the job details)
Inversion Space · Flight Software · Playa Vista, California, United States· 1w agoDetails

Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2027 (opens the job details)
Lockheed Martin · Software & IT · Sunnyvale, CA, United States· 4d agoDetails
$25.18–$35.19/hr
Dream Chaser Flight Controller (Systems Engineer II) (opens the job details)
Sierra Space · Launch & Ops · Louisville, CO, United States· 4mo agoDetails
$94,090–$129,394.75/yr
Experienced in Systems, Integration & Test?
Space employers come to us looking for a particular skill, location or credential. Leave your details one time, at no cost, and we put you forward when a role matches, never without your yes.
European Space Agency (ESA) openings, sent to your inbox
Each week we send what European Space Agency (ESA) posted since the last email, with comparable openings at other space companies. No cost, and you can stop it with one click.
Hiring for European Space Agency (ESA)? Feature this role to get a marked Featured slot above the lists and the lead place in the weekly job email for 30 days. Pricing:$99 for a single role, or $299 to cover every role you have open. To see who else is hiring your disciplines and at what pay, read the monthly space hiring brief.