Intern in the Φ-Lab Invest Office, Digital Systems Innovation

Support development of InCubed tools to enhance programme implementation.

This opening expired 7 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

ESA - European Space Agency

Open positions at ESA
Logo of ESA

Application deadline 7 months ago: Sunday 30 Nov 2025 at 23:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Support development of InCubed tools to enhance programme implementation.

You have:

  • Must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level.
  • Prove enrollment at the University for the entire duration of the internship.
  • Good knowledge of English or French required; knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
  • Ideally enrolled in a master’s degree in a business subject or technology discipline with interest in space technology.

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Our team and mission

You will work in close cooperation with other staff in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

You will be part of the ESA Φ-lab. Our mission is to accelerate the future of Earth Observation (EO) by embracing disruptive innovation and be the catalyst for disruptive/transformative innovation in the sector.

Our vision is to become an “EO innovation hub” connecting EO with a growing ecosystem of disruptive and transformative innovation like AI, ML, Quantum Computing, Edge Computing, Metamaterials, Photonics, etc.. Many of the challenges posed by new technologies still need to be tackled at scientific, application and capability levels to deliver the maximum value from satellite-derived EO assets for our climate, society, and economy. The Φ-lab will bring together early career and senior researchers from a variety of disciplines across EO and disruptive/transformative innovation to contribute to developing innovative EO solutions.

In particular you will work in the Φ-lab Invest Office which is managing the InCubed commercialisation programme with a large pipeline of entrepreneurial initiatives supported.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Support Development of InCubed tools to support the programme implementation

In your role as an IT Support Intern, you will play an instrumental part in supporting the team to maintain, develop and improve the internal tools which play a pivotal role in the daily work of the Invest team:

  • Developing and Maintaining Internal Tools Enhance existing Excel-based solutions that generate evaluation reports and other documents, ensuring they can seamlessly integrate data retrieved from SharePoint Online.
  • Supporting Database Migration Assist with the migration of internal databases to SharePoint Online, ensuring accuracy, security, and smooth usability for all stakeholders.
  • Empowering Data Visualisation Contribute to the improvement of Power BI dashboards already in use within the office, making them more robust, interactive, and insightful for decision-makers.
  • Implementing New Digital Solutions Support the design and roll-out of a new tool that will guide companies in preparing high-quality proposals for ESA programmes.
  • Exploring Future Improvements Analyse the existing IT infrastructure of the Φ-lab, identify potential areas for improvement based on the specific Φ-lab’s needs, and propose concrete plans to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and scalability.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in IT systems within a dynamic ESA environment, work at the intersection of technology and innovation, and contribute to tangible improvements in the way the Φ-lab Invest Office supports the European space ecosystem.

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.

Ideally, you should be enrolled in a master’s degree in a business subject or technology discipline with a strong interest in understanding how space technology is exploited in a commercial environment.

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, 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).

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with IT support and database management? This checks your technical expertise and hands-on experience relevant to the internship. Provide specific examples of your previous roles or projects that involved IT support and database migration.
What motivates you to apply for this internship in the Earth Observation sector? The interviewer wants to understand your passion and interest in the field. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach the development and improvement of internal tools? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a project where you contributed to data visualization? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you know about the InCubed commercialisation programme? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What areas for improvement have you identified in past IT projects you were involved in? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why is teamwork important in the development of innovative solutions? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int