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: General 3D modelling and improvement of 3D model optimization workflows for Space Exploration

The XR-Lab at EAC engages in a variety of projects to promote the use of immersive technologies in space exploration, frequently partnering with international collaborators. These endeavors often require working with very highly detailed and industry grade 3D models.

This position will focus on refining and enhancing the models used in our applications, with a specific focus on improving modelling workflows and rendering techniques. This provides an opportunity for you to significantly contribute to various XR-Lab projects. 

You will be familiarized with XR-Lab’s project portfolio and will be asked to use their knowledge to improve existing 3D models and their design workflows, as well as to create new models and workflows as required.
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.

Your responsibilities will also encompass both the implementation and evaluation of rendering optimization strategies, as well as the exploration of innovative rendering technologies (DLSS, LODs, Nanite, etc.). These combined efforts aim to substantially enhance the performance and visual quality of our XR applications.

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:

• Core responsibility: Ensuring models are optimized for interactive real-time XR usage;
• Strong background in 3D-Modelling and Texturing. Experience in Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max or Blender is mandatory;
• Experience in creating optimized UVs;
• Experience in 3D animation would be an asset;
• Ability to accurately reconstruct 3D objects from technical drawings, CAD models, photos, and videos;
• Knowledge of rendering techniques and systems (Draw calls, DirectX, Forward/Deferred Rendering, etc.) would be an asset;
• Experience in Unreal Engine or Unity Engine would be an asset.