ESA Graduate Trainee in AOCS/GNC Sensors Characterisation

Our team and mission

With more than 40 members, the Division is responsible for the following duties:

PROJECT SUPPORT in the field of GNC (Guidance, Navigation and Control), AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control Systems) and Pointing engineering:

• Conceptual design studies for future missions GNC/AOCS, in particular in Concurrent Design Facilities (CDF) studies
• GNC/AOCS design, system analysis and modelling for future and current missions from ESA Directorates, for example Exploration, Space Transportation, Earth Observation, Science, Telecommunication and Navigation;

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

• Definition of technology development requirements for space missions and ESA technology programmes covering both long and short-term needs;
• Mission enabling R/D activities for AOCS and Pointing Systems (generic architecture and competitive Building Blocks including FDIR, high accuracy pointing including line of sight stabilization, …);
• Mission enabling R/D activities for GNC (interplanetary cruise, aero assistance, precision landing, ascent, rendezvous and docking, re-entry, formation flying and drag-free systems, …);
• Technology development of AOCS sensors and actuators (star trackers, sun and Earth sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers and Inertial Measurement Units, magnetometers, magnetic torquers, …);
• Fostering the utilisation of advanced control, estimation, verification and optimisation techniques.

LABORATORY WORK

• Evaluation and prototyping of GNC/AOCS sensors and actuators (Sensor Test facilities)
• Evaluation and prototyping of new GNC techniques (GNC Testbed, GNC Rendezvous, Approach and Landing Simulator, Optical Navigation Test Bench)
• Evaluation and prototyping of new AOCS, pointing systems and associated sensors (Pointing Systems Test Facilities, participation to Avionics Lab)

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a member of the GNC, AOCS and Pointing Division in the Electrical Department, you will contribute to laboratory activities in the field of the GNC, AOCS and Pointing Laboratory, with a primary focus on characterization of AOCS & GNC Sensors:

• Performance Characterization of new Inertial Sensors (Gyroscopes & Accelerometers) developed in the division.
• Automation of scale factor tests in temperature.
• Performance & robustness tests of Star Trackers, Cameras and their processing electronics.
• Maintenance or enhancement of the GNC, AOCS & Pointing Laboratory facilities.

You will contribute to the design and production of test equipment (both hardware and software), Test Plan production, Test execution and the development of data analysis tools. You will produce test reports for each test performed and documentation for any test equipment and tools developed. One of the objectives of these test equipment is to increase automation of tests to improve reproducibility of results and reduce processing time.

You will be expected to show interest in data acquisition and processing (Labview, Matlab/Simulink, C++ or Python) and in particular, capability to design and route small PCBs to support on-going experiments, as well as soldering electronic components. Motivation and interest for GNC and AOCS subsystems modelling and simulation activities will be key to your successful traineeship.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains

Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities

General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities

Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in Electronics, Mechatronics or Control Engineering

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.

A good awareness of electronic design (PCB layout, basic circuit design) and software coding (Python and Labview), hands-on laboratory or test experience would be important assets.

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.