Intern in the Mechanical Department, Structures Section

Internship Opportunity in the Mechanical Department, Structures Section

Our team and mission

The Structures Section TEC-MSS at ESTEC is responsible for all structural engineering aspects, including:

• Structural Design and Verification Methods / Tools
• Static / Dynamics / Vibro-Acoustics
• Crash / Impacts / Meteoroids Absorption Analysis
• Damage Tolerance / Fracture Control / Health Monitoring
• Fluid Structure Interaction (e.g. Sloshing)
• Launcher Coupled Dynamic Analysis
• Demisability / Re-Usability
• Thermo-Elastic distortion
• High Stability / High Precision Structures
• Active / Adaptive Structures
• Inflatable and Deployable Structures
• Launchers / Re-Entry (Hot Structures) / Planetary Landing Vehicles
• Crew Habitation / EVA Suits

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Spacecraft Structures Design, Development and Testing

You will contribute to the development and analysis of advanced structural solutions for space systems. The internship will focus on applying modern design, simulation, and testing methods to improve the performance, reliability, and efficiency of spacecraft structures. Depending on your background and interests, you may work in one of several key domains, such as:

• Structural optimisation: exploring lightweight and high-performance structural concepts through numerical and computational design methods
• Fracture control and damage tolerance: supporting studies and simulations related to material strength, crack propagation, and structural integrity in extreme environments
• Vibro-acoustics: analysing vibration and acoustic environments during launch and their influence on structural behaviour
• Ultra-stable structures: investigating thermo-elastic stability and precision design techniques for optical or scientific payloads
• Hypervelocity impacts: studying the effects of micrometeoroid and debris impacts on spacecraft structures and assessing protection or resilience strategies through modelling and test data

You will learn how advanced structural engineering is applied to real space missions, gaining hands-on experience with modelling tools, simulation techniques, and engineering processes. Throughout the internship, you will be supported by experienced mentors who will help you connect theoretical knowledge with practical challenges in spacecraft design and verification.

Learning outcomes include developing a system-level understanding of spacecraft structures, applying modern analytical and computational methods, and strengthening problem-solving and communication skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

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. Your field of study should be in mechanical or aeronautical engineering.

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. Experience with relevant engineering software tools would be an advantage. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

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

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.