Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Dept., Project Support, Reusability Section

Intern in the Future Space Transportation Preparation Dept., Project Support, Reusability Section

Job Requisition ID: 19909

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November :59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Intern

Directorate: Space Transportation

Workplace:Paris, FR

Location

ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

Our team and mission

As part of the ESA Directorate of Space Transportation (STS), the Future Space Transportation team (STS-F, including the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme - FLPP) is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems. It is therefore responsible, among others, for:

• conducting system studies and establishing Technology Roadmaps based on strategy-driven guidelines;
• supporting the assessment of proper coherence of all technologies related to space transportation systems and products, including technology policy and harmonisation;
• preparing new elements and follow-on activities of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP);
• leading the implementation of the FLPP Technology Roadmaps, including the maturation of key technologies for future space transportation (Avionics & GNC, Structures Materials and Processes, Propulsion and Modelling & Simulation) and development of demonstrators (such as Prometheus and Themis).

The STS-FR section is responsible for technology maturation and flagship demonstrators related to the reusability of space transportation systems.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website:

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Launcher Propulsion Technology Maturation Project Support

As part of your role, you will provide technical project support in the reusability section of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which is leading the maturation of the required technologies, demonstrators and enabling capabilities for future space transportation systems.

The main priority will be determined jointly at the start of your internship depending upon the department's actual needs:

• business intelligence on reusable launch systems development logics, establishing a synthesis of the different realised or intended systems in US, China, India, Europe;
• conduct global space transportation survey from various sources internal and external, organize a synthesis by segment and associated needed transportation systems, and compare with market studies received from contractors;
• depending on your profile and technical capabilities, specific work on In-Space upper stage refueling system study.

In addition, and as running support activities:

• support to the BEST Initiative – preparation of the next open call; organisation of on-line and in-person events as needed;
• support to the Access to Space Club - organisation of online and in-person events as needed;
• identification of best practices and improvements in Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) open competition procurement actions, with a focus on improving the connection between technology providers and primes;
• support to FLPP knowledge management processes; standardisation and simplification of project management processes including use of/creation of efficient tools for management.

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 studying 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 space, specifically space transportation vehicle, propulsion is a strong asset;
• knowledge of Technology Readiness levels and project life cycles is a strong asset;
• knowledge of the Space Transportation industry is an asset.

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 at

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, 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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