Young Graduate Trainee for System Engineering for Lunar Exploration

The Lunar Lander Team is responsible for the implementation of cooperation between ESA and the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) on  lunar exploration. The objectives are to flight-prove technologies and capabilities for future exploration missions and to gain knowledge to plan safe, effective and efficient human exploration at the Moon. Within this cooperation framework, ESA will provide products and services to the upcoming Russian lunar robotic missions, particularly to a landing mission (planned in 2024-2025).

The European contributions encompass several elements: a precision and safe landing system (PILOT), a low-temperature drilling system together with a sample analysis instrument (PROSPECT), landing sites analyses and operations support.  Phase C of these elements will start in 2020 including detailed design, engineering models manufacturing and extensive testing in various facilities, contracted to European industry.

The Team is also supporting lunar payload activities for other robotic missions, feasibility studies of future lunar missions as well as related technological activities.

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

You will be assigned in support of the Lunar Lander Team. You will work principally in support of Phase C activities of the European PILOT element with a view to preparing the Critical Design Review. This includes support to technical activities coordinated between the Russian mission and the PILOT system, though analyses and simulations (shadow engineering) dealing with descent and landing problematics (including absolute and relative visual navigation, navigation filter, hazard detection and avoidance functions). This support will be based on existing tools to be further enhanced and adapted to the specific needs as arising during the refinement of design features.

An additional focus on mission and system aspects will be tailored, depending on the refined needs at the time and the capabilities of the selected individual.

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of a university course at Master's level (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific discipline.

Knowledge in one or more of the following fields is mandatory: simulation environment (e.g. Matlab/Simulink), computer vision, navigation, computing electronics.

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.

You should have good communication skills, should show sense of initiative and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment. You should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.

During the interview your motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.