Intern in the Vega-E Programme Division - European Space Agency (Frascati)

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:

• Develop and validate engineering models at engine level (MR10 and MR60 engines) and stage level for VEGA-E LPM
• Develop or extend mathematical models using EcosimPro software platform
• Validate models using available test results
• Become familiar with Liquid Rocket Engines and propulsion systems during initial training phase
• Extend and validate engine and system models using experimental data
• Carry out data analysis and draft reports
• Collaborate with IPT propulsion specialists

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: EcosimPro software platform, Mathematical modelling, Data analysis, Knowledge of Rocket Propulsion (asset), Knowledge of Fluid Dynamics (asset), Knowledge of Thermodynamics (asset), Knowledge of Heat Transfer (asset)

Contract and working arrangements

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

Working arrangements: ESRIN, Frascati, Italy.

Hiring unit: Space Transportation, Head of Space Transportation Flight Programmes.

Position details

Reference

1452793133

Last Verified

4 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Vega-E Programme Division at ESA based in Frascati (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452793133.

Job Requisition ID:20976

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Space Transportation

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/STS, the Head of the Space Transportation Flight Programmes is responsible in particular for:

- preparing and implementing the Space Transportation Flight Programmes; - leading the development activities related to Ariane, Vega and Space Rider and managing the exploitation accompaniment of the related flight programmes, except those entrusted to other departments; - complementing the Ariane 6 development and implementing the Ariane 6 Competitiveness improvement programme, implementing Prometheus as from the Ariane 6 Maiden Flight onwards and implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Ariane 6 exploitation; - complementing the Vega C development, implementing the Vega C Competitiveness improvement programme and the Vega Evolution preparatory activities, implementing the ESA responsibilities with regard to Vega C exploitation; - completing the development of the P120C and preparing and implementing activities related to solid propulsion of the products and systems described above; - establishing the Launch System Master Files resulting from the Ariane 6 and Vega C developments.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Within the framework of the VEGA-E programme, the development of engineering tools is necessary to ensure continuous monitoring of the design loops of liquid rocket engines. The proposed internship is related to the development and validation of engineering models at both engine level (for the MR10 and MR60 engines) and stage level for the VEGA-E LPM (Liquid Propulsion Module). You will use state-of-the-art modelling tools to develop or extend the mathematical models of the aforementioned systems. These models will then be validated using available test results.

The internship will include an initial training phase, during which you will be expected to become familiar with Liquid Rocket Engines (in particular MR10 and MR60) and propulsion systems (LPM), the modelling of their main elements using the EcosimPro software platform and the models already developed.

The second part of the internship will be dedicated to the extension and validation of the dedicated engine and system models, using available experimental data.

During the final phase, you will carry out data analysis and draft reports.

During this activity, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the IPT propulsion specialists and gain a broader understanding of the VEGA Space Transportation System.

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 Rocket Propulsion, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and Heat Transfer are 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 4 November 2026, 3 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 4 November 2026 (3 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 Frascati see our Frascati 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.