Intern in the Technology Department - Accelerate and Innovation Technology Team
Key Skills
Job Description
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The TEC-R Team :
- define and maintain ESA’s technology strategy, ensuring alignment with Agency objectives and future programme needs;
- identify, assess and prioritise technology development opportunities across all domains of space activities;
- monitor emerging technologies, technology trends and critical technologies relevant to European competitiveness and non-dependence;
- prepare future missions, programmes and capabilities through studies, concept maturation and technology foresight activities;
- develop and maintain technology roadmaps that guide long-term investments and technology evolution;
- manage ESA’s technology R&D programmes and oversee the full technology lifecycle from early research to demonstration and application;
- coordinate technology development activities across ESA programmes, Directorates and stakeholders;
- interface with Member States, the European Commission, industry, academia and institutional partners on technology matters;
- monitor the execution, performance and impact of technology development activities and programmes;
- communicate technology achievements, results and strategic directions to stakeholders and decision-making bodies;
- promote the transfer, exploitation and industrial uptake of technology developments across the European space sector;
- accelerate innovation through digitalisation, automation, knowledge management and continuous process improvement;
- enable data-driven decision making by integrating technology, programme and performance information across the R&D ecosystem;
- foster innovation, advanced concepts and new ways of working to prepare ESA for future technological challenges and opportunities.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Your main task will be to support the preparation of the next Technology Strategy at Directorate Level:
- prepare supporting material (data tables, visuals, briefing notes) for TEC management in the context of strategy preparation discussions;
- collect, consolidate, and analyse quantitative and qualitative data from ESA’s technology programmes, Technology domains, and application domains;
- support the creation of guidelines and recommendations to harmonise the use of digital tools (SharePoint, Teams, and IT tools) across the TEC Directorate.
You will belong to the Accelerate and Innovation team:
- supporting initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of technology R&D activities through digitalisation, process optimisation, automation and continuous improvement;
- ensuring the integration of data, knowledge and digital tools across technology strategy, roadmaps, R&D activities and reporting processes to support informed decision-making and organisational learning;
- exploring opportunities for process automation and digitalisation, including the use of AI, with a focus on management reporting and knowledge-sharing tools.
At the end of the Internship, you will:
- gain hands-on experience in the analysis of a large-scale technology strategy, including the collection and synthesis of data across multiple programmes and domains;
- gain hands-on experience in harmonising digital management tools (SharePoint, Teams, dashboards, AI-based reporting) within a large international organisation;
- develop proficiency in structuring and managing technical repositories, including content migration and collaboration with the ESTEC/TEC Communication team;
- acquire skills in data visualisation and smart reporting;
- understand the role of digital tools in supporting strategic and operational decision-making;
- learn how to support high-level strategic activities, such as contributing to ESA’s Technology Strategy;
- build familiarity with knowledge management practices and the integration of automation and AI;
- gain experience in cross-directorate collaboration, working closely with both technical and communication teams across ESTEC and TEC.
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.
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 [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.
Core Responsibilities
The intern will support the preparation of the Directorate-level technology strategy by collecting and analyzing data from various technology programs. Additionally, they will assist in improving R&D efficiency through digitalization, process automation, and the harmonization of digital management tools.
Requirements
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's degree program. Applicants must be nationals of an ESA Member State and possess good proficiency in English or French.
About ESA
Industry: Space Research and Technology
Company size: 1,001-5,000 employees
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space.