Intern in the Technology and Commercialisation Contracts Division - 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:

• Gain exposure to legal and contractual challenges in innovative space projects
• Develop understanding of how legal expertise supports space technology development and commercialisation
• Learn about international level procurements
• Understand requirements to launch public procurements
• Identify best procurement procedures for objectives
• Ensure procurements follow fairness principles and equal treatment of bidders
• Select best offers within budget constraints
• Prepare contracts adapted to procurement objectives

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 for entire internship duration
• Languages: English (good kn…), French (good kn…)
• Key skills: Legal skills, Interest in space technology

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Interview to explore motivation for applying

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship (duration not specified).

Working arrangements: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands (on-site).

Hiring unit: Technology and Commercialisation Contracts Division, Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement Directorate.

Position details

Reference

1453009033

Last Verified

6 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Technology and Commercialisation Contracts Division at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1453009033.

Job Requisition ID:21098

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission

The team you would be joining is a dynamic and international group of legal professionals who share a strong passion for space and for the transformative potential of space technology. Our work sits at the intersection of law, technology and innovation, supporting projects that turn space capabilities into practical applications and services on Earth.

In particular, the team is involved in the contractual and legal aspects of space technology application projects, including projects making use of satellite-based assets and services. We work closely with technical teams and other experts to understand the objectives of each project and identify the most appropriate contractual and legal solutions to support their successful implementation.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

As a Contracts intern, you would have the opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the legal and contractual challenges arising from innovative space projects, while developing an understanding of how legal expertise can contribute to the development, deployment and commercialisation of space technologies and applications.

You would learn alongside contract officers and specialists from different nationalities and professional backgrounds, in a collaborative and international environment. This is an opportunity to combine your legal skills with an interest in cutting-edge space technology and to see how contracts and legal frameworks can help transform innovative ideas and space assets into real-world satellite applications.

You will learn how procurements are performed at an international level, you will understand what the requirements to launch a public procurement are, what is the best procurement procedure for your objective, how to make sure that the procurement is performed according to the principle of fairness, ensuring equal treatment of the involved bidders and how to select the best offer with respect to the budget available.

The experience you will gain may help you further to go on working in the legal practice as a lawyer or as legal counsel in a company dedicated to the booming space sector. During your internship, you will prepare contracts, adapting them to the objectives of the procurements.

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.

Knowledge and background in mergers and acquisitions is an asset and so is the knowledge of AI.

Knowledge of technology and law would also be an asset.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 6 November 2026, 1 day 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 6 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.