Intern in the Strategy and Transformation Office, Innovation Support
Darmstadt
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Darmstadt
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Innovations for Sustainable Development
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Strategy and Transformation Office, Innovation Support
Darmstadt, DE
Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
Under the direct authority of the Director of Operations, the Strategy and Transformation Office is responsible for preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the management team, and providing the Directorate’s overarching coordination function.
The main responsibilities of the Strategy and Transformation Office, which works directly with the Director of Operations are:
Preparing and formulating strategies in collaboration with the Director and the Operations Directorate (D/OPS) Management Team. This includes:
- formulating, communicating and evolving the Directorate’s overall strategy. Leading the Directorate’s strategy evolution.
- establishing and leading the Directorate Innovation Governance e.g. through D/OPS-wide innovation cups.
- coordinating the strategic planning and implementation of the Directorate Research and Technology (R&T) activities, in close cooperation with the relevant other ESA actors.
- fostering the development and supporting the establishment of the Directorate’s strategic partnerships. Coordinating and fostering cooperation and exchange with academia, other space agencies, and industry.
- developing the Directorate’s Business Intelligence, by monitoring and analysing the external and internal environment and overlooking the socio-economic impact of the Directorate’s business.
- economic impact of the Directorate’s business.
Managing the Directorate’s governance process with respect to the Mission Operations Infrastructure (the overall system infrastructure that is required to operate space missions):
- investment and Core Technical Expertise strategic planning and budget management.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship : Innovation Support
You will work at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC): the main mission control centre for the European Space Agency (ESA). ESOC’s primary function is to operate unmanned spacecraft on behalf of ESA as well as launch and early orbit phases. Moreover, ESOC plays a role of sole service provider and its resources are dedicated to mission operations. However, the current strategy is to remain at the forefront of innovation in mission operations and space safety to enable European space industry competitiveness on the global market. You will deliver 6 month project/s supporting this goal, whose aims will be defined depending on your skills.
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 studying 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.
Engineering background is not essential for this position, as such, MBA students are more than welcome to apply. A STEM background is 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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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, 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, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.