Our team and mission

To prepare for future exploration missions beyond Earth orbit, the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration (D/HRE) has created the “Spaceship” initiatives, which aim to demonstrate low-technology readiness levels (low-TRL) technologies and operational concepts with a particular focus on Moon exploration and beyond-LEO (low-Earth orbit) technologies. Spaceship EAC is part of the Exploration, Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team and is based at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany. EAC is home to the European Astronaut Corps and is a major centre for human spaceflight activities.

The projects within Spaceship EAC are executed by a team of highly motivated and capable young professionals with the support of the EAC, ExPeRT and ESA teams. Our projects are often implemented in cooperation with research institutes, commercial groups and universities across Europe and beyond, with a pragmatic, demonstration-driven approach. More information on Spaceship work can be found in the ESA blog: Spaceship EAC – ESA – Exploration.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

This opportunity will focus on working with the XR (Extended Reality) team based at EAC, where Spaceship EAC is involved in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) projects. It is envisaged that the project work will support the development of the Argonaut Lander (ESA – Argonaut – European Large Logistics Lander) using state-of-the-art VR technologies available at the Centre. This support will be in line with the development studies currently progressing around Argonaut. The outputs from the project will enable the representation of the Argonaut Lander and related ESA/international payloads in a high-fidelity VR environment that enables interaction with design studies, operations and human factor elements.

In addition, ESA is embarking on studies around the development of a European human spaceflight capability, potentially leading to a new human-rated spacecraft. To date we have used VR as an approach to develop early designs around new concepts and technologies and will seek to engage with work derived from this Human Spaceflight Inspirator activity, bringing the expertise of the EAC/ESA spaceflight experts into a VR design environment to support the development and visualisation of the activity.

As a Young Graduate Trainee, you will focus on the following:

• Developing the Argonaut VR capability within Spaceship EAC, focusing on producing 3D models and software development to bring functionality to the VR environment for design/human factor studies and operational modelling in VR;
• Collaborating with the ExPeRT team on both Argonaut and Human Spaceflight Inspirator activities to support their development;
• Becoming familiar with the Spaceship initiatives and ongoing activities within ESA relating to VR/AR, where relevant;
• Supporting ongoing development of VR/AR capability at EAC, both from an operational and an outreach perspective.

Technical competencies

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 software development, game development or educational qualifications where graphical modelling, VR/AR or related techniques were a significant taught element.

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.

Experience in graphical modelling, game development or VR/AR application development (e.g. in a professional context) is highly desirable. In addition, experience with current graphics engines such as Unreal 4/5 is a significant asset.

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.

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