Intern in the Operations Strategy and Coordination Office - Innovation and Knowledge Management - 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:

• Support Innovation and Knowledge Management at ESOC
• Assist in formulating and evolving the Directorate's overall strategy
• Support the Directorate Innovation Governance
• Coordinate strategic planning and implementation of Research and Technology activities
• Support development of strategic partnerships
• Assist in developing the Directorate's Business Intelligence
• Support Mission Operations Infrastructure governance and strategic planning

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: STEM background (asset), Knowledge Management experience (asset)
• Eligibility: Must be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Six months preferred, depending on candidate's availability.

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

Hiring unit: Operations Strategy and Coordination Office, Operations Directorate (D/OPS).

Position details

Reference

1452810933

Last Verified

5 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Operations Strategy and Coordination Office - Innovation and Knowledge Management at ESA based in Darmstadt (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452810933.

Job Requisition ID:21150

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of the Director of Operations, the Operations Strategy and Coordination Office is responsible for preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the Management Team, and providing the Directorate’s overarching coordination function.

The main responsibilities of the Operations Strategy and Coordination Office, which works directly with the Director of Operations, are:

Preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the Operations Directorate (D/OPS) Management Team. This includes:

- formulating, communicating and evolving the Directorate’s overall strategy. Leading the Directorate’s strategy evolution; - establishing and leading the Directorate Innovation Governance e.g. through D/OPS-wide innovation cups; - coordinating the strategic planning and implementation of the Directorate Research and Technology (R&T) activities, in close cooperation with the relevant other ESA actors; - fostering the development and supporting the establishment of the Directorate’s strategic partnerships. Coordinating and fostering cooperation and exchange with academia, other space agencies, and industry; - developing the Directorate’s Business Intelligence, by monitoring and analysing the external and internal environment and overlooking the socio-economic impact of the Directorate’s business; - economic impact of the Directorate’s business.

Managing the Directorate’s governance process with respect to the Mission Operations Infrastructure (the overall system infrastructure that is required to operate space missions):

- Investment and Core Technical Expertise strategic planning and budget management.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You will be based at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC): the main mission control centre for the European Space Agency (ESA).

ESOC’s primary function is to operate unmanned spacecraft on behalf of ESA as well as launch and early orbit phases. ESOC plays a role of sole service provider and its resources are dedicated to mission operations.

Two of the challenges the Office faces are supporting the innovation culture in a high reliability environment, and the capturing and dissemination of the vast amounts of knowledge collected as part of this work.

You will enjoy supporting Innovation and Knowledge Management at ESOC, whose aims will be defined depending on the skill of the candidate.

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.

Additional requirements:

A STEM background is an asset.

Knowledge Management experience is an asset.

Due to the nature of the post, a commitment of six months is preferred, depending on the candidate’s availability.

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 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.