Our team and mission

The Technology Department is responsible for the technology strategy, the research and technology development programmes, the education programme and the directorates communication activities.

In particular, this includes, together with all relevant directorates:

• Developing and implementing ESA’s technology strategy;
• Organising studies, research and developments to provide an integrated, continuous technology development path from TRL1 to TRL9 according to strategic and programmatic needs, available competences and resources;
• Coordinating and harmonising technology developments with ESA’s application and programme specific technology development programmes, European and national technology development programmes;
• Developing and implementing a resource and competence plan for conducting R&D activities, together with the Management Support Office and the other departments;
• Preparing future missions and their technologies through early phase studies, system analyses, feasibility assessments, and establishing mission baselines for DG, Directorate, and Member State decisions;
• Developing together with the TEC business partners, Senior Technical Authorities and System engineers effective R&D processes addressing user and programme needs;
• Liaising with D/CIC on commercialisation and competitiveness aspects of R&D activities, and ensure the alignment of ESA's technology strategy with the strategies in these domains;
• Liaising with D/OPS on ground system R&D activities;
• Integrating relevant Education activities into the R&D management processes; 
• Communicating the value of ESA’s technical competence, infrastructure and facilities;
• Coordinating in close cooperation with corporate communication at ESA, TEC communication activities;
• Managing TEC internal communication activities.

The intern position concern the ESA Education programme, in particular the STEM Learning and Inspiration programme targeting 3-18 years-old youngsters, directly or through their teachers and educators.

In particular, the internship falls within this programmatic pillar and activities:

Let Space Inspire You, inspirational events, role modelling, career awareness initiatives, and access to space experts for youth and their families to be attracted to space and STEM, and understand their importance for society and economy. In doing so, help to break diversity barriers, boost accessibility, and promote sustainability for a better future.

The communication and promotion activities of the ESA Education programme at large, such as web, social media, Education web TV and goodie production, also fall under the STEM Learning and Inspiration programme.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Inspiration and education outreach

You will build experience in inspiration activities for school-level children and families, and in outreach activities for the education programme, such as:

• Creation and organisation of inspirational events and informal education resources;
• User Experience/Interface (UX/UI) and Publications: web front-end towards user experience optimization, writing and publishing of articles, social media posts, video scripts;
• Other school level STEM education related tasks.

Learning areas: Web User experience (UX/UI), Informal STEM Education, Social media, Communication, event organisation. 

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.

Knowledge of and experience in any of the following areas is a major asset: 

• STEM subject knowledge;
• Communication, science communication;
• Content management systems and social media;
• Basic video editing;
• Event organisation.