Intern in Technology Department, Visual Communication

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.