Intern in the Systems Department, Modelling and Simulation Excellence Section

Our team and mission

The Future Engineering Division (in support of the program directorates) is responsible for developing and providing the right Engineering Tools, Methods and Standards:

• Leading the Agency centre of excellence for Artificial Intelligence and processing technologies for space applications;
• Leading the centre of excellence for Advanced Simulation Methods including scientific data processing and databases, software applications including human computer interface, support for science operation centres and downstream applications;
• Supporting projects with the centre of competence in Sustainability Engineering for all areas related to CleanSpace, Life Cycle Analysis, EcoDesign, ZeroDebris, REACh and RoHS;
• Performing pre-Phase A mission and system design studies in support of programmes’ preparation of future missions, provide cost assessments and develop next generation methodologies including concurrent engineering (CDF), MBSE, and respective ontology;
• Supporting the evolution of (ECSS) standards supported by all TEC departments and in full coordination with programmes.

Within a multicultural, dynamic and multidisciplinary team, the Modelling and Simulation Excellence Section is involved in the innovation and application of methodologies and technologies in the following fields:

• Model-based Engineering;
• Modelling and Simulation;
• Visualisation by means of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Extended Reality;
• Data Modelling and Databases, in particular the Spacecraft Reference Database;
• Semantic Modelling in support of digital continuity and semantic interoperability;
• Digital Twin Spacecraft Data-Management;
• (pre-launch) Monitoring and Control Systems and Testing Procedures; and
• Electrical Ground Support Equipment and System Checkout Equipment.

All in the context of the Digital Twin Spacecrafts, by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, Industry engagement and the adoption of the above-mentioned technologies and corresponding methodologies, the teams support the build of the system-level simulators and testbenches towards digital spacecraft (co)-engineering.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int  

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics: 

1) Topic 1: Digital Twin Spacecraft and SSO

In line with the application areas and technology domains, you will be assigned to consolidating research and applying simulation and Digital Twin technologies in the below areas. The topics will be further detailed and consolidated in line with your profile, experience and research proposal. 

The areas of interest include:

• Development and use of Digital Twin Spacecraft technology for space missions to increase the benefits and lower the adoption threshold, in particular in the area of co-engineering across different stakeholders;
• Use of the Space System Ontology as the backbone of the Digital Twin Spacecraft(s) and to support the required semantic interoperability between the stakeholders.

As part of these areas of interest you will contribute to:

• The Rationalisation and Harmonisation of Simulators (RatioSim) Working Group on Digital Twin Spacecrafts;
• The Overall Semantic Modelling for Space System Engineering (OSMoSE) Working Group on the Space System Ontology;
• On-going Technology Research and Development activities, relevant to these lines of applied research. This includes identification of technology gaps and propose approaches to address these gaps, as input to the relevant future ESA technology roadmaps;
• The development and instantiation of a reference implementation of the Digital Twin Spacecraft in the Future Engineering Laboratories.

2) Topic 2: Digital Twin Spacecraft and XR

In line with the application areas and technology domains, you will be assigned to consolidating research and applying simulation and Digital Twin technologies in the below areas. The topics will be further detailed and consolidated in line with your profile and experience.  

The areas of interest include:

• System-level Modelling and Simulation in context of Digital Twin spacecraft;
• Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Extended Reality in context of the Digital Twin spacecraft.

Currently foreseen, you will be responsible for leading the development of Extended Reality (XR) technologies for astronaut training and public outreach, as well as overseeing the maintenance of the ESA XR Plugin (Extended Reality at ESA).

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 must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.