Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Solar Orbiter Mission Planning System Automation - European Space Agency (Darmstadt)

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:

• Be part of the Solar Orbiter Flight Control Team
• Extend the capabilities of the existing automation system
• Integrate existing tools into the automation framework
• Collaborate with the Mission Planning Development Team to implement and validate new features
• Perform validation and testing activities
• Support the deployment of automation solutions into operational use

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: Proficiency in Python, Linux/Bash scripting
• 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, United Kingdom, Canada (as Cooperating State), Bulgaria, Croatia, or Malta (as European Cooperating States)

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Selection tests may be requested during recruitment process
• Interview to explore motivation

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Working arrangements: On-site, ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany.

Hiring unit: Inner Solar System Mission Operations Unit, Operations Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1452802833

Last Verified

4 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Solar Orbiter Mission Planning System Automation at ESA based in Darmstadt (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452802833.

Intern in the Mission Operations Department - Solar Orbiter Mission Planning System Automation

Job Requisition ID:21124

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:Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE

Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

You will be part of the Inner Solar System Mission Operations Unit, which is responsible for the flight operations of the ESA Bepi Colombo, Solar Orbiter and Cluster missions. Preparation activities for the ENVISION mission to Venus are also performed in the Unit.

​

​The Solar Orbiter Flight Control Team is composed of 6 Spacecraft Operations Engineers who are in charge of the flight operations of the Solar Orbiter spacecraft. Operations planning is performed with the Mission Planning System on a weekly basis, which consists of validating and uplinking a consolidated set of payload and platform operations requests.​

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​​This internship aims to further develop the automation of the Mission Planning System and support its integration into operations.

​During the internship, you will:

- ​Be part of the Solar Orbiter Flight Control Team; - ​extend the capabilities of the existing automation system; - ​integrate existing tools into the automation framework; - ​collaborate with the Mission Planning Development Team to implement and validate new features; - ​perform validation and testing activities; - ​support the deployment of automation solutions into operational use.

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.

Required skills:

- Proficiency in Python and Linux/Bash scripting.

Desirable skills:

- Experience with query-based languages.

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.

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.Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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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 Darmstadt see our Darmstadt 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.