Intern in the Space Safety Programme - Mission Implementation Division (RISE) - 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 missions in detailed design, development, integration and operational preparation phases
• Support preparation of an in-orbit servicing mission for autonomous rendezvous and capture of active satellites
• Learn how complex space missions are developed end to end
• Collaborate with ESA specialists and European companies on active debris removal and in-orbit servicing technologies

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: Curiosity about debris removal and in-orbit servicing, Ability to work collaboratively, Initiative, Eagerness to learn, System thinking, Technical communication, Space systems engineering background (asset)

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Interview to explore motivation for the role

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Six months preferred.

Working arrangements: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: Space Safety Department, Mission Implementation Division (OPS-SM).

Position details

Reference

1452795233

Last Verified

2 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Space Safety Programme - Mission Implementation Division (RISE) at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452795233.

Job Requisition ID:21067

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The ESA Space Safety Department takes care of all potential hazards and threats from space or in space, which can impact human activities, infrastructure, or related applications. The spectrum of tasks ranges from gathering the basic understanding of space hazards originating from our Sun, from human space debris, or from asteroids potentially colliding with the Earth. It also addresses basic approaches to mitigate these hazards and to implement space systems end-to-end in a sustainable and eco-compatible way. Moreover, several corner stone missions are underway to demonstrate basic methods of space weather forecasting, asteroid deflection and active space debris removal from orbit.

In execution of these tasks, the Space Safety Department has the following entities:

- Mission Implementation Division (OPS-SM); - COSMIC Project Management Office (OPS-SC); - Space Weather Office (OPS-SW); - Planetary Defence Office (OPS-SP); - Space Debris Office (OPS-SD); - Clean Space & Circular Economy Office (OPS-SY); - Frequency Management Office (OPS-SF); - Programme Coordination Office (OPS-SX).

Within the Space Safety Missions Implementation Division, you will operate in a dynamic, international environment where new mission concepts become real spacecraft and you will contribute to missions in their detailed design, development, integration and operational preparation phases (Phase B2/C/D). The focus is on active debris removal and in-orbit servicing—two fast-growing fields that are redefining how spacecraft are maintained and how crowded orbits are managed.

These missions develop and demonstrate technologies for rendezvous, inspection, capture, life extension, relocation, de-orbiting and repair. You will collaborate with experienced ESA specialists and innovative European companies, gaining a close-up view of both cutting-edge engineering and the emerging commercial market for sustainable space services.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​RISE: Help prepare an ambitious in-orbit servicing mission that will autonomously rendezvous with and capture an active satellite in geostationary orbit. The spacecraft will temporarily take over the satellite’s attitude and orbit control before moving on to service its first commercial customer—demonstrating how satellite life can be extended in practice.

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​Throughout the internship, you will learn how a complex space mission is developed end to end, how systems engineers turn mission goals into coherent technical solutions, and how multidisciplinary teams make decisions under real programme constraints. You will strengthen your ability to communicate technical information clearly, work collaboratively and apply system thinking to an operational space project.

​This is an opportunity to make a visible contribution to a real mission while learning from experts at the forefront of sustainable spaceflight.

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 will thrive in this internship if you are curious about debris removal and in-orbit servicing, enjoy working with others and are ready to take initiative. We welcome students who are eager to learn, ask thoughtful questions and contribute ideas.

A background in space systems engineering would be an asset, but enthusiasm for complex space missions and a strong willingness to learn are equally important.

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 2 November 2026, today.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 26 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.

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.