How to apply
As an intergovernmental organisation, ESA recruits on the basis of open competition. This means that you will need to apply for an open vacancy should you wish to work for us. Therefore, all ESA vacancies are posted on our recruiting site.
Once you have found the job that’s right for you, you will need to register and create a candidate profile in order to apply. You will be able to log into this profile to apply for any other ESA positions in the future, too.
Please note that only applications for a specific vacancy that have been completed and submitted through ESA’s recruiting site can be considered. Furthermore, due to the high volume of applications received, ESA is unable to accept open applications.
If you visit our recruiting site and you do not find any vacancies matching your profile, you can set up a job alert so that you are notified when an interesting vacancy is published.
Selection process
We evaluate all applications that have been completed and submitted for a specific vacancy via our recruiting site. You can track the status of your application throughout the selection process and you will also be personally informed of the outcome of your application by email. So long as you have not received an answer from us, your application remains active.
The selection process for ESA positions is as follows:
You will be asked to complete the online application form and attach your motivation letter, CV and highest education certificate. Immediately after submitting your application, you will receive an automated confirmation email at which point you can follow its status in your candidate profile.
Media modal
We accept applications from citizens of ESA Member States, Associate Members and Canada as a Cooperating State. Nationals from European Cooperating States can apply for ESA Graduate Traineeships and Internal Research Fellowships. The full list of eligible countries is published in the footer of each ESA vacancy.
Security has become a central and intrinsic element in every aspect of the Agency’s processes and is embedded within all systems. ESA is committed to taking all appropriate measures to prevent unlawful appropriation or unauthorised disclosure of information owned or obtained in the course of its activities, whilst at the same time aiming for a broad and smooth adequate sharing of information as enshrined in the ESA Convention.
The ESA Security Directives detail the various measures taken by ESA, as well as the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved, including ESA staff. These Directives also require security screening for all those working at ESA.
In the first instance, a basic screening is carried out as part of the selection process. Therefore, if you are invited for an interview, you will also be asked to provide proof of identity, i.e. valid passport or ID card, as well as copies of your educational qualifications and a statement of good conduct. In a second stage, we will contact referees and also verify your diploma.
For some specific jobs at ESA, you will be asked to confirm that you are eligible (and agree) to undergo security clearance from the relevant national authority. Where this is required, it is specified in the vacancy notice.
More info
What we offer
ESA is proud to be a place that looks after its people from the moment they sign their appointment offer through to retirement – and beyond. Learn more about our employment conditions, including benefits and flexible working conditions to support you in your professional and personal life.
Diversity and inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer actively committed to achieving diversity within the workforce. The people who work at ESA are key to its success; their diverse nationalities, genders, cultural backgrounds, disciplines and generations each make their own special contribution to the agency.
FAQ
Do you have questions that have not been answered on our Careers at ESA pages? Our FAQ is here to support you.