Intern in the Mechanical Department - Propulsion Engineering 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:

• Contribute to the development of key ESA technologies, including monitoring progress and updating the IP-CCI technology roadmaps
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of European R&D activities related to IP-CCI topics
• Support the Division in implementing activities approved at the ESA Ministerial Conference 2025 (CM25), preparing internal performance indicators and supporting the preparation of ESA Ministerial Conference 2028
• Assist with OSIP campaigns related to IP-CCI, including producing synthesis reports
• Contribute to corporate initiatives, such as workshops and conferences, to enhance the visibility of the propulsion strategy and its implementation to ESA stakeholders

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 the entire duration of the internship; successfully completed university course in aerospace engineering with particular focus on space propulsion
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Knowledge of space propulsion engineering, including propulsion subsystems and their interactions with, and impact on, other associated spacecraft/space vehicle subsystems, Strong interest in spacecraft and space vehicles, particularly those related to missions undertaken by ESA, Solid theoretical and historical understanding of space propulsion, combined with the ability to envision how future propulsion systems could operate and be integrated into spacecraft and space vehicles under development, Knowledge of systems engineering (additional asset)

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

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

Hiring unit: Chemical Propulsion Engineering Section (TEC-MPC), Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Divis….

Position details

Reference

1452883933

Last Verified

4 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Mechanical Department - Propulsion Engineering Section at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452883933.

Job Requisition ID:21042

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 Chemical Propulsion Engineering Section (TEC-MPC), part of the Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division, has the following tasks:

- provide technical support and consultancy in space transportation propulsion (liquid, including storable and cryogenic technologies, and solid propulsion) and spacecraft propulsion (various chemical propulsion technologies) to the Agency project teams responsible for the development of launchers and spacecraft, throughout all project phases; - contribute to the preparation of work plans in the areas of space transportation and spacecraft propulsion in the Agency’s technological programmes, with a particular contribution expected on systems and new propulsion aspects; - prepare and manage, from a technical perspective, ESA contracts for studies, experimental investigations, and engineering development activities in space propulsion.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will be integrated into the ESA Chemical Propulsion Section, reporting directly to the Head of Section and the Head of Division. In this role, you will develop skills and expertise while supporting the team in implementing the Innovative Propulsion Cross-Cutting Initiative (ESA IP-CCI) through technical and personal development in the following areas:

- contributing to the development of key ESA technologies, including monitoring progress and updating the IP-CCI technology roadmaps; - conducting comprehensive assessments of European R&D activities related to IP-CCI topics; - supporting the Division in implementing activities approved at the ESA Ministerial Conference 2025 (CM25), preparing internal performance indicators and supporting the preparation of ESA Ministerial Conference 2028; - assisting with OSIP campaigns related to IP-CCI, including producing synthesis reports; - contributing to corporate initiatives, such as workshops and conferences, to enhance the visibility of the propulsion strategy and its implementation to ESA stakeholders.

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 also have:

- successfully completed a university course in aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on space propulsion; - knowledge of space propulsion engineering, including propulsion subsystems and their interactions with, and impact on, other associated spacecraft/space vehicle subsystems; - a strong interest in spacecraft and space vehicles, particularly those related to missions undertaken by ESA; - a solid theoretical and historical understanding of space propulsion, combined with the ability to envision how future propulsion systems could operate and be integrated into spacecraft and space vehicles under development; - knowledge of systems engineering would be considered an additional 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.