ESA is accepting applications for an Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Robotics in Harwell, UK. The programme is open to recent or final-year Master’s students in Robotics, Computer Science and related fields.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an Estonian National Graduate Trainee opportunity in Robotics at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) in Harwell, United Kingdom.
The traineeship is designed for recent Master’s graduates or students in the final year of a relevant Master’s programme who want practical experience in robotics, space exploration technologies and related research.
Applications close on 13 October 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | European Space Agency (ESA) |
| Programme | National Graduate Trainee |
| Area | Robotics |
| Location | Harwell, United Kingdom |
| Directorate | Human and Robotic Exploration |
| Requisition ID | 20893 |
| Posted | 15 September 2026 |
| Deadline | 13 October 2026 |
| Grade | F1 |
| Eligible nationality | Estonia or qualifying ESA Member/Associate/Cooperating State nationality with permanent residence in Estonia |
What the ESA Robotics Traineeship Involves
The trainee will join the Spaceship ECSAT initiative within ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate.
The team works on technologies supporting future exploration of Low Earth Orbit, the Moon and Mars.
Areas of activity include:
- Remote manipulation
- Surface mobility
- Embedded systems
- Human-machine interfaces
- Collaborative robotics
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Space Resources and In-Situ Resource Utilisation
- Human factors and off-world living concepts
Projects may involve demonstrating emerging technologies and investigating their potential applications in future space exploration.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should have just completed or be in the final year of a Master’s degree in:
- Robotics
- Computer Science
- An affiliated field
Relevant experience gained through internships, university projects, extracurricular activities or other practical work is considered relevant.
Candidates should also have:
- Knowledge of relevant technical or functional areas
- General knowledge of the space sector
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment
Knowledge of ESA programmes and previous experience in international teams can be an advantage.
Nationality and Language Requirements
This is an Estonian National Graduate Trainee Programme.
Applications can only be considered from:
- Nationals of Estonia; or
- Permanent residents of Estonia who hold the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member or Cooperating State.
A good knowledge of English or French is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an advantage.
Programme Conditions
The National Graduate Trainee programme is funded by an individual ESA Member State or Associate Member through a bilateral partnership with ESA.
The programme offers employment conditions similar to ESA’s own Graduate Trainee Programme. The source provided does not specify the salary amount for this particular position.
Selection Process
Because this is a National Graduate Trainee programme, a representative of the sponsoring State participates in the selection process.
The selection may consider candidates’ qualifications as well as their background and knowledge of the sponsoring country’s space policies and related activities.
ESA may also request selection tests during recruitment.
Successful candidates will undergo basic background screening before appointment.
Application Documents
The source does not provide a specific document checklist for this vacancy. Applicants should follow the requirements in the official ESA recruitment system when submitting their application.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
13 October 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official ESA careers website.
Apply for the ESA Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Robotics
FAQs
What is the ESA Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Robotics?
It is a National Graduate Trainee opportunity at ESA’s ECSAT facility in Harwell, UK, focused on robotics and technologies supporting future space exploration.
Who is eligible?
The vacancy is specifically open to Estonian nationals or permanent residents of Estonia who have the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member or Cooperating State.
What degree is required?
Applicants should have recently completed or be in the final year of a Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science or an affiliated field.
Where is the traineeship based?
The position is based at ECSAT in Harwell, United Kingdom.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 13 October 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
What areas can the trainee work on?
Potential areas include collaborative robotics, remote manipulation, surface mobility, embedded systems, human-machine interfaces, virtual/augmented reality and space resources.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This ESA traineeship is particularly relevant to eligible recent Master’s students whose academic background is in robotics, computer science or related fields and who are interested in applying these skills to space exploration technologies.
The position combines practical experience with multidisciplinary work covering robotics, human-machine interaction and future exploration systems.
SEO Keywords: ESA National Graduate Trainee 2026, ESA Robotics Graduate Trainee, ESA jobs 2026, ESA graduate programme, robotics traineeship, computer science graduate jobs, ESA Harwell jobs, space robotics jobs, National Graduate Trainee ESA, robotics graduate opportunities
