ESA Graduate Trainee in Advanced RF Payloads and TT&C Subsystems, On-board Processing & Technologies
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Radio Frequency Payloads & Technology Division (TEC-EF) is responsible from early definition to full qualification of RF payloads, instruments and technologies for space and ground applications, including all equipment having a Radio Frequency space/ground interface and its associated Laboratories. The division supports the definition, specification and development/ procurement of laboratories either for ESA projects and technology programmes or external customers.
Within the TEC-EF Division, the RF Payload Architects, TT&C Subsystems and Digital equipment Section responsibilities include:
- RF Payloads and microwave instruments, such as telecommunication payloads and sub-systems, microwave and millimetre wave remote sensing instruments and navigation payloads exploiting analogue, digital and optical on-board technologies;
- RF communication, ranging, tracking and time-transfer subsystems, including Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) subsystems, Payload Data Transmission (PDT) subsystems, deep space and near-Earth transponders, proximity and intersatellite (ISL) link equipment, high speed downlink modulators and digital communication equipment;
- Radio Frequency Digital equipment for telecommunication/navigation payloads, for RF/microwave and millimetre wave remote sensing instruments and for RF subsystems (e.g. TT&C, PDT, Inter satellite links), as well as Payload Signal and Data Processing techniques.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
You will have the opportunity to work in one or more of the following topics, depending on your background and interest:
- Software Defined Radio algorithms and techniques for TT&C/PDT applications:
Evaluation of Modulation and demodulation, coding and decoding, acquisition and tracking techniques and relevant algorithms for TT&C and PDT space subsystems. The achievable performance will be assessed in by analyses and simulations. In order to integrate theoretical knowledges and practice experiences, you will also support the development of a full TT&C subsystem under GNURadio environment. This includes coding of blocks in C++ or Python to implement all required function not available in the standard tree, and developing and testing various GNURadio flow-chart (including migration to GNURadio 4.0).
- Machine Learning techniques for RF Payloads and Instruments:
Evaluation of Machine learning techniques for future RF payloads and instruments, with a focus on on-board processing for Earth observation missions. Possible applications include intelligent data compression, cognitive radars, adaptive beamforming and steering, anomaly detection including radio frequency interference identification and instrument performance prediction, raw SAR data information extraction and image formation, and others. Concepts in the frame of Satellite Communication missions like cognitive radio or intelligent regenerative processors could also be investigated. You will study Machine Learning techniques and hardware accelerators for one or more applications relevant to RF payloads and microwave instruments. You will target the implementation of a use-case based on a relevant dataset.
- Efficient signal processing algorithms and architectures for RF Payloads and Instruments for telecommunications and remote sensing:
Considering contemporary processor architectures, data converters, programmable logic, and accelerators, you will develop Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms for the processing of the communication spectrum. This includes tasks such as channelisation, data routing, beamforming, and functions to support modem operations. You will research and implement DSP solutions to enhance processing efficiency per watt at speeds associated with high-throughput satcom missions.
For any of the topics above, you will be able to access the various laboratories of the section and the division and carry out hands-on work.
Technical competencies
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 Telecommunications/Electrical/Electronic/Microwave Engineering or Physics.
Additional requirements
Specific competence in one of the following disciplines is considered an asset:
- Programming in MATLAB, LabView, Python, C++.
- Analog and digital signal processing and/or radio frequency and digital sub-systems.
- On-board processing
- Machine Learning and AI
- Knowledge of advanced modulation techniques
- Experience in RF testing and knowledge of RF lab equipment
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.
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
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.
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.