Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) – Near Cologne, Germany

HRE-FI, the Software and Artificial Intelligence Team, drives innovation in HRE projects and initiatives across diverse exploration destinations such as LEO, the Moon, Mars, and Earth analogues. The team develops and integrates advanced software and AI technologies to support flight experiments, operational tools, and simulators. By creating and executing strategic plans, we ensure alignment with ESA and HRE objectives, while exploring and using cutting-edge technologies like AI, XR (eXtended Reality), IoT (Internet of Things), and Quantum Computing to enhance mission capabilities for both flight and ground segments.

As a central hub for software innovation, the team collaborates with internal and external tech experts to highlight the crucial role of advanced software in exploration. The team is structured around four core pillars: AI, XR, IoT, and Quantum technologies, with data serving as a foundational element throughout. This comprehensive approach ensures the effective integration of state-of-the-art technologies, positioning the team at the forefront of exploration advancements.

You will be working with the XR LAB which is part of the Team for AI and Software in the Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration. XR is set to revolutionize the future of space exploration. From immersive mission planning and virtual training environments to augmented reality tools for ISS, Lunar Gateway or Lunar surface landers and rovers design, training and operations, XR technologies will be essential in shaping the next frontier of space exploration.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Creation of Virtual Reality On-Board Training scenarios for International Space Station

As an intern on our team, your focus will be on developing immersive Virtual Reality On-Board Training (VR-OBT) scenarios for the international space station’s on-board headset.

In this role, you will be responsible for creating training scenarios that can be used by astronauts to refresh their knowledge or learn new skills while in space. This includes designing and implementing realistic and interactive environments that simulate various aspects of space missions. You will work also on optimizing the software’s performance, expanding its feature set, and ensuring the trainings are both effective and engaging.
This internship will also focus on analyzing current tools and ongoing projects in the Team.
You will complement these projects, which are based on Unreal Engine for MR and Unity for AR, by creating or modifying relevant additional tools or models in close collaboration with the XR-Lab team.

This project aims to leverage the potential of virtual reality as a medium for delivering comprehensive and interactive training to astronauts, thereby enhancing the overall training experience and preparedness for space missions.

The XR Lab aims to recruit 1 candidate. An internship duration of six months is preferred.

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 in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to autonomously organize and progress though software implementation projects;
• Proven experience with Unreal Engine 5 (Blueprints, Materials, UMG and lighting techniques) is mandatory;
• Experience developing interactive applications (VR / Game);
• General familiarity with 3D modeling, rendering, and game development processes;
• Ability to optimize 3D models to work in mobile VR applications;
• Knowledge of unreal engine performance optimization;
• Knowledge in 3D animations is an asset;
• Experience with the git / git-lfs version control system is an asset.