Job Requisition ID: 21168

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

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

Publication Method: External Only

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Our team and mission
This position, located in the Earth Observation System Architecture Office within the Department of Future Earth Observation Missions and Architecture, will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a reference Architecture for European Earth Observation systems, encompassing all ESA Earth Observation missions (Earth Explorers, Sentinels, Meteorological, Third Party, Scouts) and taking account of European, national, and commercial systems as well as of systems of international partner Agencies.

The office maintains a detailed view of the European Earth Observation Ecosystem (real world current and planned missions) and a Reference Architecture Blueprint (future world strategic view). Annual observation gap analyses are conducted against user/stakeholder needs that are utilised in formulating EOP strategy.

Using foresight and scenario building approaches and together with the Earth Observation Science Department and with an active external network, the office explores ahead for new domains of Earth Observation with an observatory function. It permanently searches for innovation and opportunities to evolve the Reference Architecture Blueprint. Promising approaches are studied in detail to facilitate the scientific and technical readiness of new Earth Observation concepts.

In close dialogue with users and stakeholders, the office conducts system of systems analyses, to assess the scientific, technological, industrial and operational synergies of different Earth Observation missions and systems to identify potential opportunities out to the 2050+ timeframe.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship
You will develop innovative technical Earth Observation scenarios and apply or develop relevant simulation tools to analyse the effectiveness of the use of Earth Observation satellite systems in synergy. The analysis will identify gaps in capability and explore opportunities for new systems of systems architectures and Earth system observatory concepts considering evolving European user needs in a holistic manner. Analyses will cover the 2024 – 2040 and 2040 – 2060 time horizons.

Initial scenarios are to be built around mandatory core missions with reference quality performances (e.g. large Copernicus missions) complemented by other elements in a mixed system architecture approach.

Potential tools / guidelines include initial EO system scenarios, an internal data base as well as complementary approaches to benchmark system design and compare different scenarios.

These activities offer ample scope for the successful candidate to develop a detailed understanding of future EO space system architecture development using a system analysis-scenario based approach.

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 also have:

• knowledge of Earth Observation remote sensing technologies and the respective downstream science and applications;
• knowledge of relevant strategic and technological trends and developments inside/outside the space EO domain;
• IT knowledge in the areas of data bases and programming (e.g. Python).

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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