Join us
Interested in working for ESA? Find out about ways to join us, wherever you are on your career path. From student opportunities to professional vacancies, get to know us better and discover how you can play your part in our mission!
We are ESA
We are the European Space Agency. 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.
ESA is always on the look-out for talented new people from engineering, science, IT, natural/social science, business and administration services (law, finance, communications, human resources, facility management).
From entry-level programmes to ESA staff positions, learn everything you need to know on these pages! We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Professionals
Interested in joining ESA as a staff member?
Find out everything you need to know about careers at ESA on our Professionals pages. You will learn about who we are looking for, the employment conditions we offer and more information about life at ESA.
Browse the positions we’re currently recruiting for and apply directly for any of our vacancies. The recruitment process is similar for every position, whether we are seeking a younger or more experienced professional.
Make sure to subscribe to our careers news so that you will not miss an opportunity and also set up a job alert on our recruiting site.
University students and graduates
There are four different programmes open to students and recent graduates:
- Internships are available while you are still studying.
- The Young Graduate Trainee Programme is for students who are about to graduate from a Master’s level course, or for those who have recently graduated.
- National Trainee Programmes are run by several national governments, also targeting those who are either about to graduate, or have recently graduated, with a Master.
- Researchers can apply for ESA to co-fund space-related PhD and post-doc research activities.
- Post docs can apply to the Research Fellowship Programme.
What is it like to work at ESA? Find more on our life at ESA page!
From outside Europe?
If you are not a national of one of the ESA Member States or Cooperating States, there are opportunities to work directly with ESA in the European space industry. Check the Business with ESA - How to do industry portal for details and for a list of small and medium enterprises that do business with us.
Still at school or college?
You’re never too young to be part of ESA! Check out the ESA Academy page for students, ESA Education for teachers, and the ESA Kids website for the very youngest.
Meet our team!
Meet your future colleagues and find out more about ESA people in our video collection of staff profiles:
- Meet the experts
- The YGT Experience
- The Burn, short film that tells the story of what happens when an ESA mission control team encounters an unexpected anomaly in what should be a routine manoeuvre.
- ESA Masterclass series with Paolo Ferri : Leadership at Mission Control
- Mission controllers maintain the service
Still have questions? Maybe you can find the answers in our FAQs.