Intern in the Mechanical Department - Optics 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:

• Choose and work on one of three topics: machine learning in optical design, expanding open source optical design software, or defining a simulator for the Vigil HI instrument

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
• Languages: English (good kn…), French (good kn…)
• Key skills: Knowledge and background in optics and optical instrumentation
• Eligibility: Must be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship

Contract and working arrangements

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

Hiring unit: Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division, Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1452884533

Last Verified

9 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Mechanical Department - Optics Section at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452884533.

Job Requisition ID:21046

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

The Optics, Robotics and Life Sciences Division is responsible for the technical and strategic management in the following space segment domains at subsystem and instrument level:

- optical systems: design, engineering and verification in all optical related areas, including optical component technology, micro-optics, fibre and passive integrated optics; spectro-radiometric imaging instruments in the x-ray, ultra-violet, visible and infrared region; optical metrology, and space micro-nano technology systems, stray-light analysis and verification. Calibration and verification of optical payloads, covering the definition, procurement and commissioning of Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE). In orbit commissioning of optical payloads. Measurement of optical properties of key optical components by devising ad-hoc measurements in the Optical and Optoelectronics Laboratory (OOEL); - optoelectronics: laser systems and sensors, LIDAR and laser ranging systems, including optical metrology and time and frequency distribution, photo-detectors and focal plane technologies for the x-ray, ultra-violet, visible and infrared range; photonics technologies and application, including integrated and fibre optics, RF photonics, micro-nano-photonics, opto-pyrotechnics, fibre sensors, non-linear optics, superconductor technology and optical atomic clocks; optical communication technologies and systems, optical communication links and optical payloads; optoelectronics/photonics for spacecraft applications; quantum technologies including quantum devices, metrology, sensing, quantum key distribution and cold atom interferometry; - optical chain architecture: design, analysis, and technical assessment of optical instruments, subsystems, detection chain systems and focal plane instrumentation, optical communication systems for classical and quantum communications, time and frequency transfer, intersatellite ranging and similar end-to-end systems; - automation and robotics: space automation and robotic systems, including planetary (surface, sub-surface and aerial) robotics probes, space robot payloads and their control systems, space laboratory automation, human-robot interaction, tele-robotics in manned and unmanned missions, as well as automation and robotics technology for ground MAIT; life & physical sciences instrumentation: technologies needed for planetary exploration missions and for life and physical sciences experiments in space, as well as technologies needed for life support, crew health and habitability of manned missions, and In-Situ Resources Utilisation;

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose among the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Use of machine learning in optical design

Define a database of potential architectural solutions based on high level requirements (spectral range, F#, field of view, etc.) and develop/use AI tools to define potential starting points. Explore then the possibility of reinforcement learning techniques to optimise the solution.

2) Topic 2: Increase capabilities of open source optical design software (e.g. Optiland)

Explore the possibility to expand the software e.g. a) starting the implementation of a non sequential raytracing, b) implementing the possibility to introduce mechanical elements, or c) improving straylight analysis capabilities (e.g. ghost analysis, semi-analytical calculations similar to an existing ESA tool called ‘Straylux’).

3) Topic 3: Define a simulator for the Vigil HI instrument

The simulator should contain the specific scene definition (F+K corona, planets, stars, coronal mass ejections), introduce instrumental effects (noise, straylight, etc.). Based on the simulator, detection methods for the coronal mass ejections should be investigated.

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 background in optics and optical instrumentation is an asset.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 9 November 2026, 1 day ago.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 19 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 9 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.