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!
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.
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 most of our professional vacancies, i.e. at A-grade level, a Master in a relevant domain is required. Some vacancies may require a PhD, while others require a Bachelor's degree plus four years of additional relevant professional experience. Detailed requirements for each position are provided when the vacancy is published.
| Engineering disciplines | Scientific disciplines | Business and administration services |
|---|---|---|
|
Mechanical engineering (thermal, propulsion, structures, mechanisms, materials, mechatronics, optics)
|
Applied mathematics
|
Law
|
|
Electrical engineering (data systems, data handling, micro-electronics, components, power systems, EMC, RF systems, antennas, TT&C)
|
Earth observation and environmental science
|
Finance and controlling
|
|
System engineering, AOCS and GNC
|
Planetary and space science
|
Commercialisation
|
|
Connectivity and secure communications
|
Life and material sciences
|
Communications and public relations
|
|
Software engineering
|
|
International relations
|
|
Cybersecurity, robotics, AI and machine learning
|
|
Human Resources
|
|
AIT/AIV
|
|
IT
|
|
Ground segment systems and operations
|
|
Facility Management
|
|
Product/quality assurance and safety
|
|
Procurement
|
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.
