Intern in the Mechanical Department - Structures 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 development and analysis of advanced structural solutions for space systems
• Apply modern design, simulation, and testing methods to improve spacecraft structure performance, reliability, and efficiency
• Work on structural optimisation through numerical and computational design methods
• Support studies and simulations related to fracture control, damage tolerance, material strength, and crack propagation
• Analyse vibration and acoustic environments during launch and their influence on structural behaviour
• Investigate thermo-elastic stability and precision design techniques for optical or scientific payloads
• Study effects of micrometeoroid and debris impacts on spacecraft structures
• Apply modelling tools and simulation techniques to spacecraft design and verification

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, French
• Key skills: Structural design and analysis, Numerical and computational design methods, Modelling and simulation techniques, Engineering software tools (asset), Problem-solving, Communication in multidisciplinary engineering environment
• Eligibility: Must be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship (duration not specified).

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

Hiring unit: Structures Section TEC-MSS, Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1452886433

Last Verified

2 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Mechanical Department - Structures Section at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452886433.

Job Requisition ID:21052

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 Structures Section TEC-MSS is in charge of all structural engineering aspects:

- Structural Design and Verification Methods / Tools; - Static / Dynamics / Vibro-Acoustics; - Crash / Impacts / Meteoroids Absorption Analysis; - Damage Tolerance / Fracture Control / Health Monitoring; - Fluid Structure Interaction (e.g. Sloshing); - Launcher Coupled Dynamic Analysis; - Demisability / Re-Usability; - Thermo-Elastic distortion; - High Stability / High Precision Structures; - Active / Adaptive Structures; - Inflatable and Deployable Structures; - Launchers / Re-Entry (Hot Structures) / Planetary Landing Vehicles; - Crew Habitation / EVA Suits.

The ESA Structures Section brings together a diverse team of approximately 43 engineers and specialists covering the complete structural lifecycle of space systems—from early concept development and structural sizing to analysis, verification, testing and in-flight performance.

Our expertise includes structural design and analysis, loads and coupled-loads analysis, structural dynamics, vibro-acoustics, shock, micro-vibration, thermo-elastic performance, fracture control and fatigue, advanced materials and manufacturing, deployable structures, structural digitalisation and emerging technologies. The team supports ESA missions across Earth observation, science, exploration, telecommunications, navigation and space transportation, working closely with project teams, European industry, research organisations and partner agencies.

Our mission is to ensure that European spacecraft, payloads and launch systems are structurally robust, reliable and fit for purpose throughout their operational life. We provide independent technical expertise, solve complex engineering challenges and help projects manage structural risks through sound engineering judgement and proportionate verification.

Beyond direct project support, the Section develops new technologies and methodologies, preserves and shares structural-engineering knowledge, contributes to European standards and technical guidelines, and strengthens industrial capabilities. By connecting operational experience with research and innovation, we aim to anticipate future needs and maintain Europe’s technical excellence and autonomy in spacecraft structures.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will contribute to the development and analysis of advanced structural solutions for space systems. The internship will focus on applying modern design, simulation, and testing methods to improve the performance, reliability, and efficiency of spacecraft structures.

Depending on your background and interests, you may work in one of several key domains, such as:

- structural optimisation: exploring lightweight and high-performance structural concepts through numerical and computational design methods; - fracture control and damage tolerance: supporting studies and simulations related to material strength, crack propagation, and structural integrity in extreme environments; - vibro-acoustics: analysing vibration and acoustic environments during launch and their influence on structural behaviour; - ultra-stable structures: investigating thermo-elastic stability and precision design techniques for optical or scientific payloads; - hypervelocity impacts: studying the effects of micrometeoroid and debris impacts on spacecraft structures and assessing protection or resilience strategies through modelling and test data.

You will learn how advanced structural engineering is applied to real space missions, gaining hands-on experience with modelling tools, simulation techniques, and engineering processes. Throughout the internship, you will be supported by experienced mentors who will help you connect theoretical knowledge with practical challenges in spacecraft design and verification.

Learning outcomes include developing a system-level understanding of spacecraft structures, applying modern analytical and computational methods, and strengthening problem-solving and communication skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

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 should be in the field of mechanical/aeronautical engineering. Experience with relevant engineering software tools would be an asset.

Application timeline

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