Who are we looking for?

ESA recruits people at many points on their career path; from young researchers and recent graduates to professionals with up to 20 years of experience, and sometimes more. But most of all, we are looking for future colleagues with team spirit, curiosity and a passion for space, inspired by working in a diverse and multicultural workplace.

The expertise of our staff is a key factor in supporting the development of space missions, whether you originally come from the space industry or not!

Browse our career opportunities.

Who can apply? 

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.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Check which opportunities at ESA are open to you with our careers flowchart: Find your path with ESA.

Learn more about our recruitment process and diversity and inclusiveness at ESA.  

Which profiles are we seeking?

In line with our core business as a space science and technology organisation, the majority of our jobs are in engineering and scientific disciplines. However, high-quality business and administration services are also essential to help us achieve our goals, along with management and leadership skills. While not exhaustive, the lists below give a good indication of the various disciplines where ESA needs people. 

For our professional vacancies, i.e. at A-grade level, a Master in a relevant domain is required. Some vacancies may require a PhD. Detailed requirements for each position are provided when the vacancy is published. 

Engineering disciplines

• Mechanical engineering (thermal, propulsion, structures, mechanisms, materials, mechatronics, optics)
• Electrical engineering (data systems, data handling, micro-electronics, components, power systems, EMC, RF systems, antennas, TT&C)
• System engineering, AOCS and GNC
• Connectivity and secure communications
• Software engineering
• Cybersecurity, robotics, AI and machine learning 
• AIT/AIV
• Ground segment systems and operations
• Product/quality assurance and safety

Find out more about space engineering and technology at ESA.

Scientific disciplines

• Applied mathematics
• Earth observation and environmental science
• Planetary and space science
• Life and material sciences

Find out more about space science at ESA.

Explore Earth observation at ESA.

Business and administration services

• Law
• Finance and controlling
• Commercialisation
• Communications and public relations
• International relations
• Human Resources
• IT
• Facility Management
• Procurement

What we look for: behavioural competencies

In addition to the required level of knowledge and/or expertise in at least one of the domains listed above, ESA places considerable emphasis on behavioural competencies. In order to perform well in a position at ESA, both the professional and behavioural criteria need to be met.

ESA has therefore identified six core behavioural competencies that are an essential part of all positions at the Agency:

• result orientation
• operational efficiency
• fostering cooperation
• relationship management
• continuous improvement
• forward thinking

Each vacancy lists the full set of behavioural competencies, together with the required technical skills specific to the role. Both technical and behavioural competencies are evaluated during the recruitment and selection process.

Have a look at the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook to understand more about what ESA is looking for in its candidates.

Work with us

Wherever you are on your career path, discover the impact you could make in one of our multi-cultural teams keeping Europe at the forefront of space research and operations. From entry-level programmes to ESA staff positions, find out about ways to join us!

What does ESA offer ? What is it like to work at ESA? Find out everything you need to know about what we offer and 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.