Job Requisition ID: 21098

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Directorate: Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

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
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.

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.

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.

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

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