Our team and mission

At the European Astronaut Center in Cologne the XR LAB Develops VR and AR simulators and tools to help train astronauts and immerse them in different environments such as in Zero G and on the Lunar Surface. These help astronauts experience in first person and teach them how to use the Canadarm around the ISS, make EVAs and let them walk around the Lunar landscape.

The XR LAB is mainly composed of developers and engineers that focus on scientific and visual realism, using the latest technologies in hardware and software.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Multimedia, 3D Content & Web Development

During your internship you will be tasked with a variety of projects that all demand different skillsets and creative thinking.

In a multilingual and social environment where collaboration is key, it will be asked of you to further build your 3D modeling, content creation and web design skills.

While learning from the experienced team, to help further your knowledge and apply new workflows.

Your knowledge of the space sector and passion for your work is an asset that we value.

We hope to see you flourish and share your creative input on every project, work within set boundaries and deadlines.

Tasks and Responsibilities

3D Asset Creation, Rigging and Game Engine Optimization:

• Define and execute modern workflow to produce optimized 3D models suitable for immersive environments, ensuring high visual fidelity while maintaining real-time performance;
• Define and implement pipelines to convert complex engineering models models into game engine-compatible formats for use in Unreal Engine and Unity;
• Create textures and materials, including normal maps, ambient occlusion, and physically based rendering textures. Those could be imported and refined in Unreal Engine or Unity;
• Rig and animate models as required for interactive augmented and virtual reality scenarios.

Media Creation/Editing and Web Development:

• Support the capture and editing of photos and videos of hardware, facilities, and team activities within the astronaut centre to be used in immersive software and promotional material;
• Support the creation of visually compelling 3D and 2D animations, tailored for virtual and augmented reality integration, for public portals, social media, and conference presentations;
• Collaborate with video editors, graphic designers, and content creators to integrate 3D assets seamlessly into video productions, adhering to the agency’s branding guidelines;
• Conduct post-production tasks such as colour correction, sound integration, and compositing.
• Develop websites, user experiences and interface designs helping to share and publish the research and work of the team.

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 must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

You should also have:

• Demonstrated experience in performing performance-conscious modelling and polycount reduction for real-time applications, including digital sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging, animating, and offline rendering;
• Software Proficiency in at least one 3D modelling software such as Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3DS Max, or Blender. Knowledge of ZBrush and Adobe Substance 3D Painter is an asset. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Premiere Pro;
• Game Engine Integration Experience in importing assets into Unreal Engine and Unity, with skills in authoring materials within these engines;
• The ability to convert complex CAD models into formats suitable for real-time rendering in game engines is also advantageous;
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript - A good understanding of these core web technologies in creating and styling static web pages;
• Experience with Responsive Design - Ability to create websites that work well on various devices and screen sizes using techniques like media queries and flexible layouts;
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver output in due time, while delivering high quality work;
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tight deadlines;