Job Requisition ID: 20981

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more): Intern

Directorate: Commercialisation and Industry Partnership

Workplace: Harwell, GB

Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Due to the location of ECSAT and current UK legislation, only UK citizens, students enrolled in a UK university, or those with pre-settled status (right to study) in the UK are eligible to apply for this internship.

Our team and mission
ESA Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) aims to demonstrate that space is open for business and has the power to improve our everyday lives on Earth. This is done by helping companies in ESA’s member states develop innovative services and products that utilise data from existing space assets, such as satellite communication, earth observation, satellite navigation and human spaceflight technologies, in combination with terrestrial technologies, to deliver sustainable services for the benefit of user communities.

Operating at the intersection of innovation and business, the programme helps stakeholders address commercial and technical risks throughout the development lifecycle, transforming commercially promising space‐based application concepts into operational, profitable and self‐sustaining applications. Acting as a trusted mediator between user communities, the space industry, and service providers, ESA BASS is committed to demonstrating the transformative power of space technology in improving everyday life on Earth.

Mobility is one of the sectors with significant potential for innovative services that integrate space technologies. The green transition currently under way, together with the digitalisation and automation of transport, brings countless opportunities for innovation across the entire chain.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship
Through this internship, you will gain, particularly in the context of the automotive and micro-mobility sectors:

• a comprehensive overview of innovative services based on integrated space-based data and terrestrial technologies;
• an in depth understanding of future trends in the automotive industry and the emerging role of the space industry in the automotive value chain;
• experience in business development and an understanding of business models.

You will aim to build a comprehensive understanding of the market opportunities in the mobility sector for downstream space applications to support the development of sustainable, green and innovative applications. The emphasis will be on the automotive and micro-mobility industries, where ESA has a number of working groups and initiatives with external partners.

As an intern, you will have the following tasks:

• identifying and characterising commercial opportunities for innovative services and applications in the mobility sector exploiting space assets such as satellite communications, satellite navigation, and earth observation;
• supporting the identification of and engagement with champion industry stakeholders and public entities that may become potential customers and users of the mobility services identified;
• supporting the characterisation, documentation and organisation of relevant industrial contacts and stakeholders;
• identifying gaps in existing technologies and services and supporting the identification of new developments in both terrestrial and space-based technologies, including emerging technologies.

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.

The following are considered assets:

• knowledge of the automotive sector;
• knowledge of business development and commercial topics;
• an interest in new and emerging technologies.

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.

Find your path with ESA »

Internship Programme »

FAQ »

Apply now »