Location
ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany
Our team and mission
You will be part of the System and Applications Engineering Division that is responsible for the development and maintenance of software systems for mission operations including monitoring and control systems, mission planning systems, operational simulators, data archiving, data processing and distribution systems.
This includes:
* engineering of software infrastructure, systems and applications required for mission operations or by space programmes for various purposes, and their management throughout the end-to-end life cycle;
* delivery of the systems and provision of the associated development, maintenance and user support in line with customer requirements;
* spin-in of advanced technologies and methodologies for system and applications engineering across the Department;
* R&D activities in the Division's domain of responsibility;
* standardisation and European harmonisation efforts in the Division's domain of responsibility.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website:
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
As part of ESA’s mandate to develop technologies for space exploration and assist the competitiveness of European industry, ESA is leading the development and integration of artificial intelligence in systems for ground operations.
In the coming years, the System and Applications Engineering Division will develop and evaluate a number of AI-based solutions to enhance mission operations by enabling autonomous decision-making, anomaly detection and predictive maintenance for ground systems. These solutions will rely on an MLOps (machine learning operations) framework for delivery into operations.
Simultaneously, the Division is completing a development project to create a DevSecOps (development, security and operations) platform for the existing ground operations software, including the centralisation of data sources that are potentially useful for AI solutions.
The objective will be to help merge existing and future AI solutions onto the new platform such that they are available to the full ESA OPS fleet. This will potentially require the merging of some of the features and concepts of both the MLOps and DevSecOps platforms.
Your duties will therefore include some of the following tasks:
* Support the development of new artificial intelligence solutions on existing MLOps platforms.
* Support the project completion for the DevSecOps platform to be used for all OPS missions’ ground systems.
* Support the integration of existing ground systems in the new DevSecOps platform.
* Support the migration of existing AI solutions onto the new DevSecOps platform; this will require analysis and implementation of changes to ensure consistent concepts and implementation.
* Interact with Operators and Developers to gather and implement feedback on the use cases and processes.
* Promote and demonstrate advanced AI, MLOps and DevSecOps capabilities to mission operators.
The position offers unique opportunities to gain experience and get involved with the entire ground segment engineering domain, with activities ranging from spacecraft operations to mission simulation, software AI application domains and the implementation of modern software development techniques.
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
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 computer science, engineering or similar.
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 background in computer science or artificial intelligence and a passion for space are required.
Previous knowledge of Python or JavaScript would be an asset.
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
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.