Career
👀🎓 Keep an Eye on ESA Careers - New Junior Professional Programme Positions are now open!
Click here to have access to ESA’s opportunities!
We foster careers in space from Switzerland!
At Space Exchange Switzerland, we help students and young professionals gain exposure to the space sector through networking, career support, and direct connections with the industry - with a particular focus on opportunities linked to the European Space Agency and the European space ecosystem.
-
Space Exchange Switzerland (SXS) connects students and young professionals with the space sector through networking, career support, and direct interaction with industry professionals.
With a strong focus on the European Space Agency and the European space ecosystem, SXS aims to make careers in space more accessible to the next generation.
-
Exposure to the Space Sector & Opportunities!
Breaking into the space industry often depends on visibility and involvement. Most successful candidates already demonstrate a connection to the field through projects, experiences, events, or professional networks.
-
Our goal is to help you build that connection: understand the different career paths within ESA and the broader sector, meet people already working in the industry, and strengthen your profile through relevant opportunities and experiences. Through our career service, we also share internships, graduate programs, and job opportunities related to the European space sector.
SXS Counseling Support
Over the past four years, SXS has built a network of 200–300 counsellors and professionals across the space sector. Through this community, members can connect with experienced people from leading organizations, gain practical insights into the industry, and receive guidance for their career development. Through this network, you will receive structured guidance to enhance your journey in the space sector:
01
Identify & Select
Identify and select your preferred job positions at the European Space Agency.
02
Learn from Experience
Learn from real experiences, including ESA interns and Graduate Trainees through webinars, interviews, and shared content.
03
Strengthen your profile
Receive support to prepare stronger applications, including CVs and motivation letters, with a clear focus on your involvement in the space sector.
Best Practices & Resources for your Career
Beyond counseling and networking, SXS also shares practical resources to help students better understand the recruitment process within the space sector. They can learn how to approach applications more effectively and gain insights from people already working in the industry.
01 - Guidance from real experience
Guidance inspired by real experiences within leading space organizations and the European space ecosystem.
02 - Youtube Tutorial
A dedicated YouTube tutorial on “How to apply for jobs in the space sector” to help students better prepare their applications.
04 - Follow SXS Career Newsletter
Receive the latest information on space career opportunities, deadlines, and updates. Subscribe here to our monthly SXS Career Newsletter.
03 - Expert Insights & Interviews
Interviews and career insights from professionals. “If you have a passion for space, go for it, live your passion! - Claude Nicollier
SXS Movetia grants for internships in Space
SXS Career, in partnership with Movetia, offers Swiss-European Mobility Programme grants to support internships in the space sector (e.g., at the European Space Agency).
FAQ
-
In order to be eligible for a SXS Movetia scholarship you need to:
be a student enrolled, at the time of application, in a UNI/FH Bachelor's and/or Master's or Ph/D’s programme in Switzerland;
be selected for a full-time internship of a minimum duration of 2 months at ESA or another space institution located outside Switzerland;
undertake your internship in a country other than your country of residence;
apply for the scholarship before starting the internship;
Grants can be used for internships up to 12 months after graduation (application must however be made during studies).
-
In order to be eligible for a SXS Movetia scholarship you need to:
be a student enrolled, at the time of application, in a UNI/FH Bachelor's and/or Master's or Ph/D’s programme in Switzerland;
be selected for a full-time internship of a minimum duration of 2 months at ESA or another space institution located outside Switzerland;
undertake your internship in a country other than your country of residence;
apply for the scholarship before starting the internship;
Grants can be used for internships up to 12 months after graduation (application must however be made during studies).
Note: It is not possible to combine multiple SEMP grants for the same internship if they are awarded by different universities (in this case by USI and your home university). However, it is possible to combine multiple SEMP grants (up to 12 months) for different internships from the same university.
-
If you meet the requirements and you scholarship application is accepted, the grant will be:
monthly grant of CHF 440, calculated on the basis of actual days worked, if the internhsip is in Europe (monthly grant of CHF 500 for internships outside the Europe);
80% of the funding awarded at the beginning of the internship;
the remaining 20% at the end of the internship (within 30 days after finishing the internship, final documents must be submitted to receive the balance);
Green Travel Top-Up: flat-rate subsidy of CHF 100 for round trip by bus or train (less CO2 emissions than air flight). Proof of travel is required;
In the event of interruption or cancellation of the internship, there is an obligation to return the grant (in whole or in part).
-
Have you been selected for an internship in space and want to apply for a SXS /Movetia grant?
Check the requirements and complete this form on Mobility Online. Only applications submitted through this platform will be considered. Documents sent by e-mail will not be accepted.
-
More info & feedback
Contact us for more information
career@space-exchange.ch
+41 58 666 46 06
Recipients report strong career impact and improved access to ESA opportunities.
Careers at ESA – Be at the core of the European Space Sector
Are you interested in starting your career at the European Space Agency but unsure which programme matches your profile? With multiple early-career opportunities opening at different times of the year, here is a quick explainer to help you choose the best fit for you.
