Intern in the P120/P160C Team - Rocket Propulsion Indicators and Applications of Energetic Materials - European Space Agency (Paris)

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:

• Become familiar with solid propulsion
• Process and analyse data from ground tests and flights and assess dispersion of key performance parameters
• Propose relevant monitoring indicators and develop related dashboards to support performance analysis and monitoring
• Analyse trends
• Support identification of improvements or future developments for Ariane and Vega
• Conduct literature reviews on use of energetic materials in space applications
• Map current applications and use cases
• Benchmark existing and emerging alternative technologies/systems

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 entire duration of internship
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Data analysis, Solid rocket motor knowledge, Development of technical indicators and monitoring dashboards, Technology intelligence and benchmarking, Knowledge of energetic materials and their space applications, Technical reporting and presentation of results in international environment, Strong analytical skills, Communication and reporting skills

Contract and working arrangements

Working arrangements: ESA Headquarters, Paris, France.

Hiring unit: Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), solid propulsion team.

Position details

Reference

1452792733

Last Verified

5 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the P120/P160C Team - Rocket Propulsion Indicators and Applications of Energetic Materials at ESA based in Paris (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452792733.

Job Requisition ID:20974

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Space Transportation

Location ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Our team and mission

​​The ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS) is responsible for ensuring Europe’s independent access to space through the development, qualification and exploitation of launch systems such as Ariane 6, Vega-C and future transportation systems. Within STS, the solid propulsion team focuses primarly on the development, qualification and performance monitoring of Europe’s solid rocket motors: the P120C serves as both the first stage of Vega-C and the booster of Ariane 6, while the P160C is its enhanced evolution aimed at increasing launcher performance and payload capacity. The team supports test campaigns, data analysis, post-flight assessments and the continuous improvement of these strategic systems.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​​Solid rocket motors and energetic materials are key components of current and future space systems. In a context of continuous performance improvement and the emergence of new applications, this internship aims to assess solid rocket motor indicators while exploring potential new uses of energetic materials.

​

​During this internship, you will contribute to the following activities:

​1. Solid rocket motors:

- ​become familiar with solid propulsion; - ​process and analyse available data from ground tests and flights and assess the dispersion of key performance parameters; - ​propose relevant monitoring indicators and develop related dashboards to support performance analysis and monitoring; - ​analyse trends; - ​support the identification of improvements or future developments for Ariane and Vega.

​2. Other uses of energetic materials:

- ​conduct literature reviews on the use of energetic materials in space applications (including launch escape towers); - ​map current applications and use cases; - ​benchmark existing and emerging alternative technologies/systems; - ​analyse potential applications.

​Skills you will develop:

- ​data analysis; - ​solid rocket motor knowledge; - ​development of technical indicators and monitoring dashboards; - ​technology intelligence and benchmarking; - ​knowledge of energetic materials and their space applications; - ​technical reporting and presentation of results in an international 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.

Your profile:

You should have a strong interest in research and development, space technologies and innovation. You should be curious, proactive and eager to explore multidisciplinary topics, with the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team. You should also have strong analytical, communication and reporting skills.

The following would be considered assets:

- being enrolled in the second year of a Master's degree in Engineering, or an equivalent programme, with a specialisation in mechanics, materials, or energetics; - familiarity with scientific data analysis and programming tools such as Python or equivalent.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 3 November 2026, 4 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 Paris see our Paris 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.