Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
With more than 40 members, the Division is responsible for the following duties:
PROJECT SUPPORT in the field of GNC (Guidance, Navigation and Control), AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control Systems) and Pointing engineering:
Conceptual design studies for future missions GNC/AOCS, in particular in Concurrent Design Facilities (CDF) studies
GNC/AOCS design, system analysis and modelling for future and current missions from ESA Directorates, for example Exploration, Space Transportation, Earth Observation, Science, Telecommunication and Navigation;
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Definition of technology development requirements for space missions and ESA technology programmes covering both long and short-term needs;
Mission enabling R/D activities for AOCS and Pointing Systems (generic architecture and competitive Building Blocks including FDIR, high accuracy pointing including line of sight stabilization, …);
Mission enabling R/D activities for GNC (interplanetary cruise, aero assistance, precision landing, ascent, rendezvous and docking, re-entry, formation flying and drag-free systems, …);
Technology development of AOCS sensors and actuators (star trackers, sun and Earth sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers and Inertial Measurement Units, magnetometers, magnetic torquers, …);
Fostering the utilisation of advanced control, estimation, verification and optimisation techniques.
LABORATORY WORK
Evaluation and prototyping of GNC/AOCS sensors and actuators (Sensor Test facilities)
Evaluation and prototyping of new GNC techniques (GNC Testbed, GNC Rendezvous, Approach and Landing Simulator, Optical Navigation Test Bench)
Evaluation and prototyping of new AOCS, pointing systems and associated sensors (Pointing Systems Test Facilities, participation to Avionics Lab)
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
As a member of the GNC, AOCS and Pointing Division in the Electrical Department, you will contribute to laboratory activities in the field of the GNC, AOCS and Pointing Laboratory, with a primary focus on characterization of AOCS & GNC Sensors:
Performance Characterization of new Inertial Sensors (Gyroscopes & Accelerometers) developed in the division.
Automation of scale factor tests in temperature.
Performance & robustness tests of Star Trackers, Cameras and their processing electronics.
Maintenance or enhancement of the GNC, AOCS & Pointing Laboratory facilities.
You will contribute to the design and production of test equipment (both hardware and software), Test Plan production, Test execution and the development of data analysis tools. You will produce test reports for each test performed and documentation for any test equipment and tools developed.
One of the objectives of these test equipment is to increase automation of tests to improve reproducibility of results and reduce processing time.
You will be expected to show interest in data acquisition and processing (Labview, Matlab/Simulink, C++ or Python) and in particular, capability to design and route small PCBs to support on-going experiments, as well as soldering electronic components. Motivation and interest for GNC and AOCS subsystems modelling and simulation activities will be key to your successful traineeship.
Technical competencies
Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in Electronics, Mechatronics or Control Engineering
Additional requirements
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
To be completed by the Manager as appropriate:
A good awareness of electronic design (PCB layout, basic circuit design) and software coding (Python and Labview), hands-on laboratory or test experience would be important assets.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
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.
Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.
Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
