Intern in the Electrical Department - Energy Storage Section - European Space Agency (Noordwijk)

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:

• Perform battery simulations using independent battery model
• Simulate Li-ion space batteries performance during different space mission scenarios
• Model Li-ion batteries for space applications
• Refine cell and battery models and related documentation
• Define and test battery cells and batteries
• Evaluate test results and extract test parameters
• Draw up test plans
• Write comprehensive report and present work at end of project

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; must be able to prove enrollment at university for entire duration of internship
• Experience: Demonstrated knowledge of Li-Ion cell and battery technology modelling and simulation along with relevant hands-on experience in testing, data processing and analysis
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Li-Ion cell and battery technology modelling, Battery simulation, Testing, Data processing and analysis

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Working arrangements: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate, Energy Storage Section.

Position details

Reference

1452881133

Last Verified

4 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Electrical Department - Energy Storage Section at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452881133.

Job Requisition ID:21029

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Technology, Engineering and Quality

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

Electric energy storage is crucial for all space applications. Batteries are used in launchers as well as in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and science spacecraft when energy from sunlight is unavailable. The most important characteristic of a space battery is specific energy, measured in Wh/kg. Since most lithium-ion battery developments are currently happening for terrestrial applications, spin-in into the space sector is of utmost importance. Current developments aim to further improve the specific energy of new lithium-ion space batteries.

The Energy Storage Section covers all aspects of energy storage for space applications, typically primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors. The Section is at the forefront of these developments, leading R&D activities, supporting space missions, and performing independent testing of novel battery technologies in our own battery test facility. To assess the sizing and performance of batteries for different missions, an independent battery model has been developed and validated. This model will be utilized to simulate different cases, which can occur on the battery during different mission phases.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

The aim of this opportunity is to perform battery simulations using our independent battery model in close cooperation with the energy storage engineers and the power management engineers in the team. Different mission scenarios including the launch phase, failure cases, abusive conditions as well as end-of-life performance shall be simulated.

A further task will be to advance the battery models of the Energy Storage Section. Existing models shall be refined and optimised and new models for new cell types or battery configurations may have to be developed. These model developments will be supported by experimental testing at our own test facility.

You will draw up test plans and work closely with all the Section members and the test facility team to implement the tests.

The data will be assessed and the models built based on the experimental results.

During your internship, you will work on the following core activities:

- simulation of Li-ion space batteries performance during different space mission scenarios; - modelling of Li-ion batteries for space applications; - refinement of cell and battery models and related documentation; - definition and testing of battery cells and batteries; - evaluation of test results and extraction of test parameters; - writing a comprehensive report and presenting the work at the end of the project.

The scope of work could be expanded to cover the following:

- developing new Li-Ion cell model; - Li-ion battery abuse testing in space-relevant conditions.

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 shall have a demonstrated knowledge of Li-Ion cell and battery technology modelling and simulation along with relevant hands-on experience in testing, data processing and analysis. Knowledge and background in space batteries is an asset.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 4 November 2026, 3 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 4 November 2026 (3 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 Noordwijk see our Noordwijk 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.