Intern in the Commercial Partnerships Department - AI and Robotics - Space for 5G/6G - 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:

• Support technical studies on future communication network architectures, services and applications
• Develop and evaluate AI models for communication systems and network management
• Experiment with mixed reality technologies, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as part of use-case development
• Assist with the preparation, execution and analysis of trials and technology demonstrations
• Contribute to the development and operation of the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub
• Support workshops, demonstrations and engagement activities involving industry and academic partners
• Define and pursue own research project within the team's areas of activity

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 entire internship duration
• Languages: English (good kn…), French (good kn…)
• Key skills: Satellite and terrestrial communication networks, including 5G and 6G, Network modelling, simulation, experimentation or testbeds, AI/ML applied to communication systems, network management, or autonomous networks, Immersive technologies (AR, VR and XR), robotics and UAVs, Programming and software development, particularly in Python, AI and data analysis frameworks, Technical research projects, Good interpersonal and communication skills, Ability to work in multicultural environment
• 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

Contract duration: Internship (duration not specified).

Working arrangements: On-site at ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom.

Hiring unit: Directorate of Commercialisation and Industry Partnership.

Position details

Reference

1452920133

Last Verified

3 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Commercial Partnerships Department - AI and Robotics - Space for 5G/6G at ESA based in Harwell (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452920133.

Job Requisition ID:20980

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’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line is advancing 5G and 6G technologies to support Europe’s digital transformation through the integration of satellite and terrestrial communication networks. This convergence of terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is expected to revolutionise how people live, work and communicate by enhancing mobile coverage, smart mobility, security and network resilience. The programme aims to promote the standardisation of seamless global connectivity for various industries and applications, including telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, aviation and maritime services. As an intern, you will work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment at ESA's European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in the United Kingdom. You will engage with experts in satellite communications, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and emerging digital technologies through activities associated with the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub. These centres provide facilities for innovation, experimentation and demonstration activities aimed at enabling seamless global connectivity.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

As an intern, you will contribute to activities at the forefront of future communication networks, satellite communications, AI and robotics, supporting technical studies, experiments and collaborative projects that explore how integrated satellite and terrestrial networks can enable intelligent systems and new digital services. Depending on your interests and background, your activities may include:

- supporting technical studies on future communication network architectures, services and applications; - developing and evaluating AI models for communication systems and network management; - experimenting with mixed reality technologies, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as part of use-case development; - assisting with the preparation, execution and analysis of trials and technology demonstrations; - contributing to the development and operation of the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub; - supporting workshops, demonstrations and engagement activities involving industry and academic partners.

You will also have the flexibility to define and pursue your own research project within the team's areas of activity. Through this internship, you will gain practical experience in satellite-enabled connectivity, future networks and AI, while developing skills in research, experimentation, systems engineering and stakeholder engagement in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

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.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

Knowledge and background in the following areas is an asset:

- satellite and terrestrial communication networks, including 5G and 6G; - network modelling, simulation, experimentation or testbeds; - AI/ML applied to communication systems, network management, or autonomous networks; - immersive technologies (AR, VR and XR), robotics and UAVs; - programming and software development, particularly in Python; - familiarity with AI and data analysis frameworks; - experience in conducting technical research projects; - previous experience working in international teams.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 3 November 2026, 4 days ago.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 21 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 (4 days ago).

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.