Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department - Microwave Instruments 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:

• Support Sentinel-6 Next Generation international development
• Extend and improve the performance software tool for engineering and geophysical parameters
• Support the study team with analysis and comparison of different performance parameters

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: Python, Radar signal processing, Radar altimeters
• Eligibility: Nationals of 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, or the United Kingdom. Must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions…

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Application review
• Selection tests may be requested
• Interview to explore motivation

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Working arrangements: On-site, ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: Future Missions and Architecture Department, Microwave Instruments Section, Earth Observation Programmes Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1452877933

Last Verified

2 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department - Microwave Instruments Section at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452877933.

Intern in the Future Missions and Architecture Department - Microwave Instruments Section

Job Requisition ID:21178

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):Intern

Directorate:Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Microwave Instruments Section is part of the Future Missions and Instruments Division, Future Missions and Architecture Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Within the Division, the Section is responsible for the definition, engineering, technology breadboarding and pre-development of active and passive microwave instruments for future Earth Observation research missions, e.g. Earth Explorers and Missions of Opportunity, and operational missions, e.g. Earth Watch, Copernicus and meteorology missions.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Performance Analysis Support for Sentinel-6 Next Generation

Sea level rise is a powerful climate indicator, since it is the result of changes occurring in Earth's climate system. Further, sea level rise poses a great threat to coastal communities and is therefore an important global concern for governments and policymakers. Copernicus Sentinel-6 first generation is the radar altimetry reference mission to provide sea-surface height measurements until at least 2030. To continue this legacy, the Sentinel-6 Next Generation mission is currently being developed.

You will support the Sentinel-6 Next Generation international development by extending and improving the performance software tool for engineering and geophysical parameters. Furthermore, you will support the study team with the analysis and comparison of different performance parameters.

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 the following areas is an asset:

- Python; - radar signal processing; - radar altimeters.

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 [email protected].

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.

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Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 2 November 2026, today.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 27 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 2 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 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.