Our team and mission

The Data Systems, Microelectronics and Component Technology Division carries out all of the tasks relating to ESA project support and technology development activities in its area of responsibility. This includes on-board computers and data handling systems (such as mass memories and instrument control units) for payloads and platforms, microelectronics (such as FPGAs and ASICs), artificial neural networks, AI and machine learning, CubeSat activities, wireless technologies and all technologies relating to the EEE (electrical, electronic and electromechanical) component family (such as Si, photonics and passives). In terms of technology development, we seek to develop state-of-the-art technologies to support future ESA space missions in space science, Earth observation, human spaceflight, telecommunication, navigation, space transportation, operations and space engineering and technology.

You will be integrated into the On-Board Computer and Data Handling Section of the Data Systems, Microelectronics and Component Technology Division at ESTEC.

The On-Board Computer and Data Handling Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) into turnkey on-board hardware data handling and processing solutions, with an emphasis on:

• platform and payload data handling architectures and their building blocks (equipment/units, modules and key components);
• units such as on-board computers, mass memories, remote terminals and instrument control units*;
• digital and analogue signal processing electronics for payload/platform functions;
• front-end acquisition and processing chain electronics*;
• on-board data transfer interfaces, buses and associated protocols (high- and low-speed);
• platform data handling functions relating to security, data authentication, encryption and compression;
• use of microelectronics devices;
• implementation, inference, verification and validation of algorithms** on processing hardware platforms for space applications* in close collaboration with other discipline experts (software, microelectronics and applications engineers).

* except for RF payloads
** including artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

In your role as a Young Graduate Trainee, you will be asked to support some of the following activities performed by the Section in the ESTEC Data Systems Division laboratory:

• Characterisation and testing of the laboratory FlatSat;
• Design and build new test equipment to be used to test new FlatSat boards;
• Design, build and test new hardware processing boards and mass memory boards, to be then integrated and tested on the laboratory FlatSat;
• Development, implementation, inference, verification and validation of algorithms on processing hardware platforms;
• Design, build and test on-board data transfer interfaces, buses and associated protocols;
• Design, build and test artificial intelligence/machine learning experiments;
• Conduct RISC-V research and development for space and safety-critical systems;
• Test and characterise circuitries based on COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) digital components.

This training opportunity will provide hands-on hardware and software development experience.

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 electronics engineering, signal processing, embedded systems or a related field relevant to this position.

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.

Specific competence in one of the following disciplines will be considered an asset: 

• Design, build and testing of analogue and digital electronic boards;
• Experience with programming (HDL, C) or modelling software;
• Experience with AI development frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch);
• Implementation, inference, training, verification and validation of machine learning algorithms on hardware platforms (for space or terrestrial applications);
• Design of COTS-based analogue and digital electronic boards for test purposes, such as functional tests, radiation tests, etc.

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.