Intern in Technology Department, Visual Communication
Contribute to visual communication efforts in ESA’s Technology Department.
Overview
Contribute to visual communication efforts in ESA’s Technology Department.
You have:
- You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level, and enrolled during the entire internship.
- A good knowledge of English or French is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
- Knowledge of ESA.
- Experience with graphic design programmes and products.
- Your motivation for applying to this role will be explored during the interview.
Contract
This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.
Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
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.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Visual Communication
The ESTEC/TEC Communications Team at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, is offering a six-month internship focused on graphic design, presentation support, and infographics production.
This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the visual communication efforts of ESA’s technical directorate, supporting strategic messaging and stakeholder engagement through high-impact design and storytelling.
Visual Communication & Graphic Design
- Create and adapt visual assets in line with ESA’s branding guidelines;
- Contribute to the visual identity of the TEC Directorate through consistent, high-quality design;
- Support the development of visual materials for campaigns, reports, and digital platforms.
Infographics Production
- Design and update infographics to communicate complex technical information in a clear and engaging way;
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to translate data and concepts into visual formats;
- Align visual content with the Directorate’s communication strategy and stakeholder needs.
Presentation Support
- Assist in preparing, updating, and formatting presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint and other tools;
- Ensure visual consistency and modern design across internal and external presentation materials;
- Work closely with TEC management and presenters to refine visual storytelling.
Cross-functional Communication Support
- Participate in broader team activities such as event coordination, editorial tasks, multimedia production, and platform management;
- Support logistics and visitor engagement at ESTEC and Space Expo exhibitions;
- Be flexible and responsive to the day-to-day needs of the communications team and TEC leadership.
By the end of the internship, you will:
- Gain hands-on experience in applying ESA branding and design standards across various media;
- Develop proficiency in visual storytelling through infographics and presentation design;
- Understand the role of visual communication in supporting strategic messaging within a technical directorate;
- Learn to collaborate within a multidisciplinary communications team in a large international organization;
- Acquire exposure to event planning, editorial workflows, and multimedia production in a space agency context;
- Build familiarity with internal and external communication platforms used at ESA.
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.
You should also have:
- Knowledge of ESA;
- Experience with graphic design programmes and products.
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, 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.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a project where you used graphic design to communicate a complex idea. What was your approach? | This question assesses your practical experience and approach to graphic design. | Discuss your specific contributions, the design process, and the reception of your work. |
| How do you ensure that visual content aligns with branding guidelines? | The interviewer is looking for your understanding of branding and design consistency. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you worked collaboratively with subject matter experts? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach designing infographics to present data clearly? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What tools and software do you prefer for creating presentations? Why? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to adapt your design to meet specific feedback. How did you handle it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What do you find most challenging about visual communication in a technical context? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Why are you interested in an internship with ESA’s Communications Team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |