Intern in the Systems Department - Cost Engineering Section
About the role
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Cost Engineering Section provides cost engineering support, tools and estimates to ESA projects and studies, including studies conducted in the Concurrent Design Facility. The focus of the section is the preparation of cost estimates and the review of cost estimates and financial proposals prepared by industry for projects in the early stages of definition (Phase 0, A and B1). The cost estimating process is approached from a system engineering point of view, and is hence more of a technical discipline than a financial/economic one.
The section is relatively small, with a total of nine permanent staff, a great team spirit, and good support and interesting work for interns, providing valuable experience for a career in cost engineering, system engineering and project management.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
As an intern in the Cost Engineering section, you will be involved in the following activities:
- maintenance of the technical-economic database that constitutes the backbone of the cost modelling capabilities;
- maintenance and development of cost engineering tools and models;
- support to Cost Engineers in various studies, mostly those performed in the Concurrent Design Facility.
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.
The following are assets for this internship
- knowledge of cost estimating and cost modelling;
- knowledge and background in engineering, and specifically space system engineering;
- knowledge of project management and related financial areas;
- proficiency with office automation software and customisation (e.g. Microsoft SharePoint and Excel).
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.
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