Employer profile

Image credit: ESA/Science Office

We are the European Space Agency (ESA). Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space. 

Why work for us
Are you enthusiastic, curious, a team player and eager to work in an international setting? With its 22 Member States and 3000 staff members working across Europe in nine different locations, ESA is the only space agency of its kind and a unique place to work. Joining ESA means working together on pioneering missions in a diverse and friendly environment with great benefits as well as numerous services and activities provided on site.

Training and development
Working for ESA gives you access to a wide range of courses on many different topics, from technical training to project and people management. Furthermore, by sharing your work environment with experts at the top of their game, you will have many opportunities to exchange, network and learn from your colleagues. For those joining ESA via one of our entry-level programmes, you can expect to be assigned a tutor who will supervise and support you during your stay at ESA.

Graduate schemes
Our six entry-level and research programmes are the perfect springboard for a career in the space sector: 

• Student Internships are open to students still enrolled at university. Priority is given to Master’s students, but Bachelor’s students can also apply. Applications open in November each year.
• The ESA Graduate Trainee Programme is open to recently graduated Master’s students. Applications open in February each year.
• National Trainee Programmes are offered to Master’s graduates through bilateral agreements between ESA and certain participating countries. 
• The Junior Professional Programme is designed for Master’s graduates with 2–3 years of professional experience. The next selection is currently foreseen for 2025.
• Researchers can apply to ESA for co-funding for space-related PhD and postdoc research activities. Apply all year round at ideas.esa.int. 
• The Research Fellowship Programme accepts applications from postdocs. Vacancies are published throughout the year, except for the Research Fellowships in Space Science, which open for application in August each year.

Ready to launch your career with ESA? Browse the positions we’re currently recruiting for at jobs.esa.int. Subscribe to our careers news to stay informed of our updates and campaigns and also set up a job alert on our recruiting site so that you never miss an opportunity.

Who we are looking for
Whether you are still studying at university or are an experienced professional, if our mission sparks your interest and you are keen to work in a dynamic, international environment then a career at ESA could be the perfect fit for you! Take a look at our careers flowchart to find out what kind of ESA position suits you best.

In line with our core business as a space science and technology organisation, most ESA staff positions are in engineering and scientific disciplines. However, we also recruit for the business support services that are essential in helping us to achieve our goals.

A requirement for all ESA positions, including our entry-level programmes, is that candidates must be nationals of ESA Member States or Cooperating States (the precise list of eligible nationalities is specified in each job posting).

Ready to launch your career with ESA? Browse the positions we're currently recruiting for at jobs.esa.int. Subscribe to our career news to stay informed of our updates and set up a job alert on our recruiting site so that you never miss an opportunity. 

Locations 
France, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, UK

Number of employees
3000

Main areas of research
All engineering and science disciplines related to the space sector are covered at ESA, but those are not the only areas we recruit in. Check out our latest activities on our website and Science page - you may be surprised by the domains we cover and find something there for you, too.

Desired degree disciplines/class
The majority of professional roles at ESA require a Master's degree as a minimum. For some vacancies, a PhD may be required.

How to apply
Apply online at jobs.esa.int

Closing date
Vacancies are regularly published on our recruiting website. Most standard vacancies remain open for three weeks from the date of publication, while those for our entry-level programmes are usually open for four weeks.

Contact
Tel +33 (0)1 53 69 76 54
E-mail esacareers@esa.int
www.esa.int