ESA Graduate Trainee in Data-Handling Concept Development for CubeSat FlatSat Facility
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Data Systems, Microelectronics and Component Technology Division carries out all the tasks related to ESA project support and technology development activities in its area of responsibility. This includes on-board computers and data-handling systems (such as mass memories and instrument control units) for payloads and platforms, microelectronics (such as FPGAs and ASICs), Artificial Neural Networks, AI and Machine learning, Cubesat activities, wireless technologies and all technologies related to the EEE component family (such as Si, photonics, passives).
In terms of technology development, we seek to develop state-of-the-art technologies to support future ESA space missions in space science, Earth observation, human spaceflight, telecommunication, navigation, space transportation, operations and space engineering and technology.
The candidate will be integrated into the On-Board Computer & Data Handling Section of the Data Systems, Microelectronics & Component Technology Division at ESTEC.
The On-Board Computer & Data Handling Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) what concerns turn-key on-board HW Data Handling and processing solutions with emphasis on:
- platform and payload data handling architectures and their building blocks (equipment/units, modules and key components);
- units such as on-board computers, mass memories, remote terminals, instrument control units*;
- digital and analogue signal processing electronics for payload/platform functions;
- front-end acquisition and processing chain electronics*;
- on-board data transfer interfaces, buses and associated protocols (high and low speed);
- platform data handling functions related to security, data authentication, encryption, compression;
- use of microelectronics devices (including COTS)
- implementation, inference, verification and validation of algorithms ** on processing HW platforms for space applications* in close collaboration with other discipline experts (software, microelectronics and applications engineers).
* except for RF payloads.
** including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
The CubeSat FlatSat is one of the lab facilities maintained by the On-Board Computers and Data-Handling section in ESA. This facility contains all the subsystems present in actual CubeSat missions (for example On-Board Computer, Telemetry and Telecommand Subsystem, Payload Processing Unit etc.) and can be used for testing all the data-handling concepts expected in real operations. Generic information about the FlatSat can be found here: ESA - Opened-out ‘FlatSat’ for CubeSat testing
Although the FlatSat is being used since a few years to implement and test certain Command and Data-Handling capabilities, a number of ideas or features are still missing, or might be expanded upon. Those include among others:
- Development of Mission Operation Center for the FlatSat,
- Extending the Payload capabilities of the FlatSat by integrating new payloads,
- Development of a Payload processing chain (i.e. implement payload data transfer with dedicated radio link)
- Development of software components for the On-Board Computer of the FlatSat (i.e. file system, fault detection etc.)
All the aforementioned tasks/developments can be considered fully technical and hands-on, and require practical knowledge related to embedded systems.
On top of implementing selected technical topics, the EGT will be responsible also for general management of the CubeSat FlatSat, and maintaining the documentations of the activity.
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 Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, or Computer Science.
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.
The candidate should have technical knowledge relevant to the proposed topics, in particular:
- General knowledge of microcontroller/microprocessor embedded systems, including operating systems (i.e. FreeRTOS),
- Knowledge of programming languages used in embedded systems (i.e. C/C++),
- Knowledge of interfaces and protocols used in embedded systems (i.e. CAN Bus, RS-485)
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.