Junior Professional Programme

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.

Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.

Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe

Protecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit

Using space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth

Making space accessible and developing the technologies for the future

The ESA Junior Professional Programme (JPP) targets Master’s degree graduates with two to three years of professional experience. Junior Professionals join ESA as staff members for four years and benefit from tailored learning and development opportunities to prepare them for a permanent position at the European Space Agency at the end of their JP assignment.

This programme is a unique opportunity to launch your career at ESA and join the future of space in Europe. As of 2025, 15 Junior Professional positions will be published each year. This year's call for applications took place in May 2025.

What we offer

The Junior Professional Programme offers:

• A unique professional experience as part of a team of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe, working together on inspiring space missions in an international, multicultural and friendly environment.
• A four-year ESA contract at A1 level, with the perspective of an indefinite ESA contract at the end of the programme.
• Excellent employment conditions, including salary exempt from national income tax in ESA Member States.
• Rotation scheme offering both internal and external opportunities to develop your knowledge and skillset of both ESA projects and processes and the wider space sector. Please read our dedicated FAQ for more information.
• A tailored development programme, including exposure to different business areas of ESA and participation in technical and key skills training courses.
• Mentoring by ESA experts.
• 2.5 days paid leave per month and 12 public holidays per year. Expatriate staff can benefit from an additional eight days' home leave every two years, under certain conditions.
• Relocation package including an installation allowance if you move from another country. Travel and removal expenses are also reimbursed.

To be eligible for the Junior Professional Programme, you must meet the following criteria:

• Graduate of a relevant Master’s level degree programme.
• Two to three years of professional experience. If you took part in one of our entry-level programmes (i.e. ESA Graduate Trainee, National Trainee or Research Fellow), the time spent on the programme counts towards the experience requirement.
• Citizen of one of theESA Member States ,Associate Members or Canada as a Cooperating State. The full list of eligible countries is published in the footer of each ESA vacancy.

Please note that basic eligibility pre-screening questions regarding nationality and qualifications are asked during completion of the ESA online application form.

Recruitment process

How do I apply for a Junior Professional position?

• Select the opportunity that interests you and fits best with your educational background and aspirations.
• Register and create your candidate profile and upload your CV and motivation letter.
• Apply and track the status of your application throughout the process.

More information

Check out our Junior Professional Programme dedicated FAQ page.

Next publication of opportunities

The next publication of opportunities will be in 2026. Be the first to be notified about the publication of the Junior Professionals vacancies by creating ajob alert on ourrecruiting website and/or subscribe to ourcareers news!

Find your path at ESA

ESA offers a number of entry-level programmes targeting students (Master or PhD), recent graduates and young professionals, alongside its vacancies for experienced professionals. One of them could be your path to space! Quickly find out which programme could be the best fit for you by following the pathways at ESA on ourentry-level flowchart.