Intern in Space Applications for the Mobility Sector - European Space Agency (Harwell)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Identifying and characterising commercial opportunities for innovative services and applications in the mobility sector exploiting space assets such as satellite communications, satellite navigation, and earth observati…
• Supporting the identification of and engagement with champion industry stakeholders and public entities that may become potential customers and users of the mobility services identified
• Supporting the characterisation, documentation and organisation of relevant industrial contacts and stakeholders
• Identifying gaps in existing technologies and services and supporting the identification of new developments in both terrestrial and space-based technologies, including emerging technologies

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master's level course, with proof of enrollment for the entire duration of the internship
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Knowledge of the automotive sector, Knowledge of business development and commercial topics, Interest in new and emerging technologies
• Eligibility: UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK

Contract and working arrangements

Working arrangements: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom.

Hiring unit: Commercialisation and Industry Partnership.

Position details

Reference

1452920233

Last Verified

3 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in Space Applications for the Mobility Sector at ESA based in Harwell (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452920233.

Job Requisition ID:20981

Date Posted:1 November 2026

Closing Date:30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Commercialisation and Industry Partnership

Location ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.

Our team and mission

ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) aims to demonstrate that space is open for business and has the power to improve our everyday lives on Earth. This is done by helping companies in ESA’s member states develop innovative services and products that utilise data from existing space assets, such as satellite communication, earth observation, satellite navigation and human spaceflight technologies, in combination with terrestrial technologies, to deliver sustainable services for the benefit of user communities.

Operating at the intersection of innovation and business, the programme helps stakeholders address commercial and technical risks throughout the development lifecycle, transforming commercially promising space‐based application concepts into operational, profitable and self‐sustaining applications.Acting as a trusted mediator between user communities, the space industry, and service providers, ESA BASS is committed to demonstrating the transformative power of space technology in improving everyday life on Earth.

Mobility is one of the sectors with significant potential for innovative services that integrate space technologies. The green transition currently under way, together with the digitalisation and automation of transport, brings countless opportunities for innovation across the entire chain.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Through this internship, you will gain, particularly in the context of the automotive and micro-mobility sectors:

1. a comprehensive overview of innovative services based on integrated space-based data and terrestrial technologies; 2. an in depth understanding of future trends in the automotive industry and the emerging role of the space industry in the automotive value chain; 3. experience in business development and an understanding of business models.

You will aim to build a comprehensive understanding of the market opportunities in the mobility sector for downstream space applications to support the development of sustainable, green and innovative applications. The emphasis will be on the automotive and micro-mobility industries, where ESA has a number of working groups and initiatives with external partners.

As an intern, you will have the following tasks:

- identifying and characterising commercial opportunities for innovative services and applications in the mobility sector exploiting space assets such as satellite communications, satellite navigation, and earth observation; - supporting the identification of and engagement with champion industry stakeholders and public entities that may become potential customers and users of the mobility services identified; - supporting the characterisation, documentation and organisation of relevant industrial contacts and stakeholders; - identifying gaps in existing technologies and services and supporting the identification of new developments in both terrestrial and space-based technologies, including emerging technologies.

Behavioural competencies

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 considered assets:

- knowledge of the automotive sector; - knowledge of business development and commercial topics; - an interest in new and emerging technologies.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 3 November 2026, today.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 26 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 3 November 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Harwell see our Harwell location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.