Job Requisition ID: 20980

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’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity strategic programme line is advancing 5G and 6G technologies to support Europe’s digital transformation through the integration of satellite and terrestrial communication networks. This convergence of terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is expected to revolutionise how people live, work and communicate by enhancing mobile coverage, smart mobility, security and network resilience. The programme aims to promote the standardisation of seamless global connectivity for various industries and applications, including telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, aviation and maritime services.
As an intern, you will work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment at ESA's European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in the United Kingdom. You will engage with experts in satellite communications, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and emerging digital technologies through activities associated with the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub. These centres provide facilities for innovation, experimentation and demonstration activities aimed at enabling seamless global connectivity.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship
As an intern, you will contribute to activities at the forefront of future communication networks, satellite communications, AI and robotics, supporting technical studies, experiments and collaborative projects that explore how integrated satellite and terrestrial networks can enable intelligent systems and new digital services. Depending on your interests and background, your activities may include:

• supporting technical studies on future communication network architectures, services and applications;
• developing and evaluating AI models for communication systems and network management;
• experimenting with mixed reality technologies, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as part of use-case development;
• assisting with the preparation, execution and analysis of trials and technology demonstrations;
• contributing to the development and operation of the AI Hub and the 5G/6G Hub;
• supporting workshops, demonstrations and engagement activities involving industry and academic partners.

You will also have the flexibility to define and pursue your own research project within the team's areas of activity. Through this internship, you will gain practical experience in satellite-enabled connectivity, future networks and AI, while developing skills in research, experimentation, systems engineering and stakeholder engagement in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

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.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

Knowledge and background in the following areas is an asset:

• satellite and terrestrial communication networks, including 5G and 6G;
• network modelling, simulation, experimentation or testbeds;
• AI/ML applied to communication systems, network management, or autonomous networks;
• immersive technologies (AR, VR and XR), robotics and UAVs;
• programming and software development, particularly in Python;
• familiarity with AI and data analysis frameworks;
• experience in conducting technical research projects;
• previous experience working in international teams.

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.

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