German National Graduate Trainee in Robotics

Our team and mission

The Mechatronics and Optics Division provides engineering support for space projects and performs technology developments in the areas of robotics, life and physical sciences instrumentation, optics and opto-electronics. Within the Division, the Robotics Section is the focal point at 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 support the 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, as well as in human-robot interaction aspects of teleoperated missions.

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

As a National Graduate Trainee, you will be assigned with one or more tasks to support the responsibilities and needs of the Robotics Section and the Automation and Robotics Laboratories 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, you 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 with users in the A&R laboratories;
• the verification of existing A&R systems, participation in testing campaigns and analogue field tests;
• mathematical modelling and simulations;
• research and integration of novel sensors for robot perception;
• algorithmic design and computer programming implementation of building blocks. Integration of such components within the robot control architecture, from low level drivers and HW abstraction layer to the functional, executive and higher decision-making layers;
• new concepts for surface mobility (kinematic suspension, wheels, legs, hoping, hybrid systems), robotic arm manipulators, end effectors and grasping elements;
• application of AI techniques for robot GNC and overall autonomy;
• operational readiness, organisation and extension of the lab facilities.

Special tasks will be agreed with your and assigned considering the different lab needs.

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 a related engineering field).

Additional requirements

You should have completed, or be in your final year of a university or graduate degree in robotics or computer science, mechatronics, mechanical, control or space engineering.

A good grasp of system aspects and a good understanding of the basic engineering domains of robotics (i.e. mechatronics, control theory, computer science or image processing) as well as a solid foundation in mathematics and physics are strongly desirable.

Proficiency in the use of computer aided engineering tools would be an asset.

Strong general computer skills and proficiency in several programming languages would be considered 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 may be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional prospects and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.