Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Reusability Section - European Space Agency (Paris)

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:

• Provide technical project support to the reusability section of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme
• Conduct business and technical intelligence on reusable launch systems development approaches
• Establish and maintain synthesis of different reusable systems in the US, China, India, Europe, etc.
• Conduct global space transportation analysis using internal and external sources
• Organize synthesis by segment and compare market studies from contractors
• Assess proposed business cases
• Provide support for specific tasks related to ongoing ESA demonstration projects
• Support the BEST! Initiative on first stages reusability

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…), ESA Member State language (asset), German (asset)
• Key skills: Business and technical intelligence, Global space transportation analysis, Project management, Knowledge management, Communication and event organization

Contract and working arrangements

Working arrangements: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France.

Hiring unit: Space Transportation Directorate, Future Space Transportation team, Reusability Section (STS-FR).

Position details

Reference

1452792533

Last Verified

5 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Department - Reusability Section at ESA based in Paris (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452792533.

Job Requisition ID:20972

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Space Transportation

Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Our team and mission

​As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), the Future Space Transportation team (STS-F, including the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme - FLPP) is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. It is therefore responsible for:

- ​conducting system studies and establishing Technology Roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines; - supporting the assessment of the overall coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation; - preparing new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP); - leading the implementation of the FLPP Technology Roadmaps, including the maturation of key technologies for future space transportation (Avionics & GNC, Structures, Materials and Processes, Propulsion and Modelling & Simulation) and the development of flagship demonstrators (such as Prometheus and Themis).

​

The STS-FR section is in charge of the technologies maturations and flagship demonstrations related to reusability of space transportation systems and their associated support equipment. ​

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will be expected to provide technical project support to the reusability section of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which leads the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems.

The main priority will be determined jointly at the start of the internship, depending on the department’s actual needs:

- conducting “business and technical intelligence” on reusabe launch systems development approaches, establishing and maintaining a synthesis of the different realised or intended systems in the US, China, India, Europe, etc.; - conducting global space transportation analysis using various internal and external sources, organising a synthesis by segment and associated needed transportation systems, and comparing market studies received from contractors, assessing the proposed business cases; - depending on your technical capabilities and profile, providing support for specific tasks related to ongoing ESA demonstration projects.

In addition, and as running support activities:

- supporting the BEST! Initiative on first stages reusability; - supporting the Access to Space Club - organisation of online and in-person events as needed; - identifying best practices and improvements in Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes; - supporting FLPP knowledge management processes; standardisation and simplification of project management processes including the development and use of efficient tools for management.

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.

Knowledge and technical background in space, specifically space transportation vehicles and/or propulsion, is a strong asset.

Knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is a strong asset.

Knowledge of the worldwide Space Transportation industry and ongoing projects is an asset.

Ability to communicate and read in German is an asset.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 5 November 2026, 2 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 5 November 2026 (2 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 Paris see our Paris 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.