Intern in the Technology Department, Technology Strategy and Digital Tools Support

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: Technology Strategy and Digital Tools Support

Technology Strategy Analysis (Main task):

• Collect, consolidate, and analyse quantitative and qualitative data from ESA’s technology programmes, competence domains, and application domains;
• Support the assessment of the four strategic targets of the ESA Technology Strategy (2018), including the  sub-targets and related indicators;
• Assist in drafting the review report of the 2022 Technology Strategy, summarising ESA’s achievements and areas for improvement;
• Prepare supporting material (data tables, visuals, briefing notes) for TEC management in the context of strategy review discussions.

Data Visualisation & Reporting

• Support the migration and development of the SharePoint-based TEC (Technology, Engineering, Quality) Technical Repository, including structuring content and enhancing accessibility in close collaboration with the ESTEC/TEC Communication team;
• Support the creation of guidelines and recommendations to harmonise the use of digital tools (SharePoint, Teams, dashboards) across the TEC Directorate;
• Explore opportunities for process automation and digitalisation, including the use of AI, with a focus on management reporting and knowledge-sharing tools;
• Develop and maintain a Dynamic Dashboard for monitoring and reporting on TEC Directorate Goals 2025–2026;
• Contribute to the setup of an AI-powered management reports database for the TEC Management team;
• Support the automation of presentations and reports for ESA Delegations;

At the end of the Internship, you will: 

• Gain hands-on experience in the analysis of a large-scale technology strategy, including the collection and synthesis of data across multiple programmes and domains;
• Gain hands-on experience in harmonising digital management tools (SharePoint, Teams, dashboards, AI-based reporting) within a large international organisation;
• Develop proficiency in structuring and managing technical repositories, including content migration and collaboration with the ESTEC/TEC Communication team;
• Acquire skills in data visualisation and smart reporting;
• Understand the role of digital tools in supporting strategic and operational decision-making;
• Learn how to support high-level strategic activities, such as contributing to ESA’s Technology Strategy;
• Build familiarity with knowledge management practices and the integration of automation and AI;
• Gain experience in cross-directorate collaboration, working closely with both technical and communication teams across ESTEC and TEC.

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.

Knowledge and background in Space technologies, as well as knowledge of Systems Engineering, are considered an asset.