Intern in the Systems Department - Cost Engineering 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:

• Maintenance of the technical-economic database that constitutes the backbone of the cost modelling capabilities
• Maintenance and development of cost engineering tools and models
• Support to Cost Engineers in various studies, mostly those performed in the Concurrent Design Facility

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: Result Orientation, Operational Efficiency, Fostering Cooperation, Relationship Management, Continuous Improvement, Forward Thinking, Knowledge of cost estimating and cost modelling, Knowledge and background in engineering, specifically space system engineering, Knowledge of project management and related financial areas, Proficiency with office automation software and customisation (e.g. Microsoft SharePoint and Excel)
• 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, and the United Kingdom. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware subject to European or US export control an…

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Selection tests may be requested during recruitment process
• Interview to explore motivation for applying to the role

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

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

Hiring unit: Technology, Engineering and Quality Directorate, Cost Engineering Section.

Position details

Reference

1452887533

Last Verified

2 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Systems Department - Cost Engineering Section at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452887533.

Intern in the Systems Department - Cost Engineering Section

Job Requisition ID:21058

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:Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The Cost Engineering Section provides cost engineering support, tools and estimates to ESA projects and studies, including studies conducted in the Concurrent Design Facility. The focus of the section is the preparation of cost estimates and the review of cost estimates and financial proposals prepared by industry for projects in the early stages of definition (Phase 0, A and B1). The cost estimating process is approached from a system engineering point of view, and is hence more of a technical discipline than a financial/economic one.

The section is relatively small, with a total of nine permanent staff, a great team spirit, and good support and interesting work for interns, providing valuable experience for a career in cost engineering, system engineering and project management.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

As an intern in the Cost Engineering section, you will be involved in the following activities:

- maintenance of the technical-economic database that constitutes the backbone of the cost modelling capabilities; - maintenance and development of cost engineering tools and models; - support to Cost Engineers in various studies, mostly those performed in the Concurrent Design Facility.

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.

The following are assets for this internship:

- knowledge of cost estimating and cost modelling; - knowledge and background in engineering, and specifically space system engineering; - knowledge of project management and related financial areas; - proficiency with office automation software and customisation (e.g. Microsoft SharePoint and Excel).

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.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.

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Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 2 November 2026, today.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 27 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.