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Propulsion

Intern in the Vega-E Programme Division

European Space Agency (ESA) logoEuropean Space Agency (ESA)Frascati, ItalyInternshipPosted today

About the role

Location

ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/STS, the Head of the Space Transportation Flight Programmes is responsible in particular for:

  • preparing and implementing the Space Transportation Flight Programmes;
  • leading the development activities related to Ariane, Vega and Space Rider and managing the exploitation accompaniment of the related flight programmes, except those entrusted to other departments;
  • complementing the Ariane 6 development and implementing the Ariane 6 Competitiveness improvement programme, implementing Prometheus as from the Ariane 6 Maiden Flight onwards and implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Ariane 6 exploitation;
  • complementing the Vega C development, implementing the Vega C Competitiveness improvement programme and the Vega Evolution preparatory activities, implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Vega C exploitation;
  • completing the development of the P120C and preparing and implementing activities related to solid propulsion of the products and systems described above;
  • establishing the Launch System Master Files resulting from the Ariane 6 and Vega C developments.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Within the framework of the VEGA-E programme, the development of engineering tools is necessary to ensure continuous monitoring of the design loops of liquid rocket engines. The proposed internship is related to the development and validation of engineering models at both engine level (for the MR10 and MR60 engines) and stage level for the VEGA-E LPM (Liquid Propulsion Module). You will use state-of-the-art modelling tools to develop or extend the mathematical models of the aforementioned systems. These models will then be validated using available test results.

The internship will include an initial training phase, during which you will be expected to become familiar with Liquid Rocket Engines (in particular MR10 and MR60) and propulsion systems (LPM), the modelling of their main elements using the EcosimPro software platform and the models already developed.

The second part of the internship will be dedicated to the extension and validation of the dedicated engine and system models, using available experimental data.

During the final phase, you will carry out data analysis and draft reports.

During this activity, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the IPT propulsion specialists and gain a broader understanding of the VEGA Space Transportation System.

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 Rocket Propulsion, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and Heat Transfer are an asset.

Due to the nature of the post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on the candidate’s availability.

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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