Young Graduate Trainee for Satellite Radio Navigation

Under the direct authority of the Director of Technology, Engineering & Quality, the Head of the Electrical Department is responsible for performing activities in the following domains: electromagnetics, antenna systems, space environment, power system, data handling for payloads and platforms, computers and microelectronics, communication and navigation payloads and end-to-end systems.

The Head of Department manages the corresponding technical laboratories and facilities, draws up engineering standards and is responsible for technology activities within the Department’s technical discipline areas.

Support for performing these functions is provided by the:

• Data Systems and Microelectronics Division
• Power Systems, EMC and Space Environment Division
• Radio Frequency Systems Division
• Radio Frequency Payloads and Technology Division

The RF Systems Division is responsible for space instrumentation and end-to-end communication systems, subsystems, equipment and technologies which cover the following domains:

• telecommunication systems and subsystems design and validation
• radio navigation systems and subsystems design and validation
• commercial ground and user segment products for navigation, telecommunications and remote sensing
• systems for Tracking Telemetry & Command (TT&C) and Payload Data Transmission (PDT) for communication, navigation, remote sensing and scientific applications
• systems testing for performance evaluation or validation
• laboratories to test/proof concept soundness and validation.

The Division consists of four Sections and associated divisional laboratories:

1) Telecommunication systems and techniques

2) TT&C and PDT systems and techniques

3) Radio navigation systems and techniques

4) Commercial User Segment products and navigation systems implementation and validation

This YGT opportunity relates to Sections 3) and 4).

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

As a YGT, you will support the activities performed by the Division in the satellite radio navigation area. Depending on your expertise, work may focus on radio navigation systems architecture, technology, equipment, signal design, receiver and signal processing, etc. Work may entail simulations using or upgrading existing simulators in MATLAB or other programming languages as well as testing and measurement campaigns in the radio navigation laboratory. Examples of fields of research:

• Use of artificial intelligence to develop new methods applicable to positioning, navigation and timing
• Use of image processing techniques to improve or extend the capabilities of user receivers for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in harsh environments (e.g. urban, high density, canopy)
• Use of Android GNSS raw measurements API to develop real-time embedded applications for Android smartphones
• Extension of SW radio GNSS receivers for new modernised GNSS signals (Galileo, Beidou, GPS 3)
• Cloud-based and/or cooperative processing of GNSS measurements and/or radio signal samples
• Methods to secure and authenticate GNSS signal reception and detect/mitigate interference
• Alternative systems for positioning (non-GNSS) and signals of opportunity, estimating the user position based on RF or other signals already available
• Study of high-accuracy positioning techniques based on GNSS carrier-phase measurements.

Through the Traineeship, you will be able to go deeply into the theoretical background of GNSS by learning how GNSS satellites, receivers and test equipment work.

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

Experience on basic laboratory hardware usage and testing and knowledge of MATLAB, PYTHON, Java or other programming language are considered assets.

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 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.