Topic of the internship :

Innovation Support

You will work at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC): the main mission control centre for the European Space Agency (ESA). ESOC’s primary function is to operate unmanned spacecraft on behalf of ESA as well as launch and early orbit phases. Moreover, ESOC plays a role of sole service provider and its resources are dedicated to mission operations. However, the current strategy is to remain at the forefront of innovation in mission operations and space safety to enable European space industry competitiveness on the global market. You will deliver 6 month project/s supporting this goal, whose aims will be defined depending on your skills.

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of the Director of Operations, the Strategy and Transformation Office is responsible for preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the management team, and providing the Directorate’s overarching coordination function.

The main responsibilities of the Strategy and Transformation Office, which works directly with the Director of Operations are:

Preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the Operations Directorate (D/OPS) Management Team. This includes:

• formulating, communicating and evolving the Directorate’s overall strategy. Leading the Directorate’s strategy evolution.
• establishing and leading the Directorate Innovation Governance e.g. through D/OPS-wide innovation cups.
• coordinating the strategic planning and implementation of the Directorate Research and Technology (R&T) activities, in close cooperation with the relevant other ESA actors.
• fostering the development and supporting the establishment of the Directorate’s strategic partnerships. Coordinating and fostering cooperation and exchange with academia, other space agencies, and industry.
• developing the Directorate’s Business Intelligence, by monitoring and analysing the external and internal environment and overlooking the socio-economic impact of the Directorate’s business.
• economic impact of the Directorate’s business.

Managing the Directorate’s governance process with respect to the Mission Operations Infrastructure (the overall system infrastructure that is required to operate space missions):

• investment and Core Technical Expertise strategic planning and budget management.

Your profile

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.

Engineering background is not essential for this position, as such, MBA students are more than welcome to apply. A STEM background is an asset.

We offer

Job Requisition ID: 20036

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Appointment: Intern

Directorate: Operations

Workplace: Darmstadt, DE

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

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.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

Find your path with ESA

Internship Programme

FAQ

Contact

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

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