ESA Graduate Trainee in Automation and Robotics
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Mechatronics and Optics Division provides engineering support for space projects and executes technology developments in the areas of Automation and Robotics, Mechanisms, Life and Physical Sciences Instrumentation, Optics and Opto-Electronics. One of the Sections of this Division, the Automation and Robotics Section, is the focal point in ESA for matters relating to the design, engineering and verification of space Automation and Robotics (A&R) systems (i.e. manipulation systems, mobility systems and payload automation systems).
You will be supporting the Automation and Robotics section at ESTEC, and, in particular, the Automation and Robotics Laboratories (ARL). The ARL has a long heritage in the field of Planetary and Orbital Robotics, and in Human-Robot Interaction.
In this context, the Automation and Robotics Section is responsible for:
The conception of novel uses and novel designs in space missions;
- Definition, design and engineering;
- Breadboarding and demonstration;
- Analysis and verification;
- Technology development in the fields of:
- Robot perception;
- Control, autonomy and intelligence;
- Motion and actuation;
- Robot-user interfacing;
- Robot ground testing.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
You will be assigned to one or more tasks pertaining the responsibilities and needs of the Section within the fields of orbital robotics, planetary robotics and human-robotics interaction.
With the assistance of ESA engineers working in the Section, as well as with the support of other ESA specialists, the holder of the training position may work on:
- feasibility assessments of new space A&R concepts;
- breadboarding and demonstration of A&R systems (e.g. robots, rovers, air-bearing platforms and supporting technologies) and their subsystems and interfaces to users in the A&R laboratories;
- verification of existing A&R systems;
- mathematical modelling and simulations;
- operational readiness, organisation and extension of the lab facilities.
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 Robotics or Computer Science, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Control or Space Engineering.
Additional requirements
A good grasp of system aspects and a good understanding of the basis engineering domains of robotics (i.e. mechatronics, control theory, computer science, image processing) as well as a solid foundation in mathematics and physics is strongly desirable.
Proficiency in the use of computer aided engineering tools is an asset. Strong general computer skills and proficiency in several programming languages is considered as an important asset.
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 information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions 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.