Programme Overview

Engineers design, build, and operate ESO’s advanced ground-based astronomical facilities, and we want to give young engineers the opportunity to work on research and development (R&D) at the cutting-edge of engineering and astronomy. Every year we offer up to four internships, five to six months in duration, for engineering or STEM students during their master’s (or equivalent level) studies.

As an intern, you’ll have the chance to apply your studies in a professional setting, work within a team of experts in your field, and complete your own project. Your internship project can be either for or outside of your master’s thesis. You can find the complete list of internship projects further down this page.

Internships take place at ESO Headquarters in Garching bei München, Germany (a remote or hybrid internship is not possible) and have full-time hours. An internship duration of four months may be considered for students attending vocational schools. You will receive a monthly allowance of €800 to cover your living expenses, accommodation in a shared apartment for the duration of your internship, and we cover the cost of a return trip from/to your home station.

Who are we looking for?

• You are pursuing a master’s (or equivalent level) degree in engineering or STEM, and you must remain enrolled as a student during the internship.
• You study in, or are a national of, an ESO Member State.
• You are ready to take an active part in the ESO R&D projects with a good deal of team spirit, curiosity and eagerness to learn.
• You have a good ability to understand and communicate in English (oral and written).

If you meet all these criteria, we look forward to your application!

Why choose ESO?

• We offer a broad range of engineering research subjects and professional experience at the forefront of ground-based astronomy and technology.
• We are an international organisation, attracting a diverse range of passionate, talented, and collaborative people.
• We have a multi-disciplinary and high-tech work environment, situated next to the best German universities and world-renowned research centres.
• We are building the largest optical telescope on Earth, the Extremely Large Telescope, and operate world-leading observatories:  La Silla, Paranal and ALMA.

Internship projects

R&D at ESO encompasses many fields of engineering, and internship projects from previous years have covered:

• Optical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Cryogenic engineering
• Adaptive optics and laser guide stars
• Electronic engineering
• Software engineering

We have practical- and research-based projects to suit to students from both vocational schools and universities. 

Internship projects for 2027 are listed below.

How to apply

Check out our recruitment portal in November for a vacancy called “Engineering Internship – Garching”. The vacancy is open until late December, and internships can begin in February or later.

Applications must be completed in English and should include:

• A cover letter (max one page) detailing your motivation for the internship at ESO, which internship project(s) you would like to choose and why, noting any relevant previous study, experience, or interests, and the desired period of the internship.
• Your CV with an outline of your technical/practical experience and a list of publications, if any.

If you have any further questions, please contact: vacancy@eso.org.