Our team and mission

The Software Systems Division deals with development techniques for ground and space systems, covers all life cycle aspects from requirements specification to development, verification, validation and maintenance. The role of the Division’s Software Technology Section is to explore the use of new technologies in these areas, with a particular focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in space software engineering.

This includes several technology areas, such as:

• planning techniques to increase the onboard autonomy of spacecraft, in particular in telecommunication and Earth observation constellation missions;
• software engineering process optimisation using artificial intelligence techniques, for example requirement engineering, verification and validation of code and documentation generation;
• trustworthiness of AI, including generative AI, for the verification and validation of AI-based applications, uncertainty and robustness quantification.

As a Research Fellow, you will work in a team of experienced engineers in the domain of space software and AI. You will be able to interface with experts from other engineering disciplines for applications and potential demonstrations. You will be responsible for:

• prototype applications, proofs of concept and related tests in the departmental laboratory facilities to assess the technologies developed. This may be in the areas of mission management or software engineering processes, covering requirement engineering, model-based software engineering and software coding and validation;
• providing expertise in AI and/or machine learning (ML) for the development of AI/ML systems and their applications, supporting ESA missions and projects, ESA R&D activities, or ESA working groups on AI/ML;
• supporting the elaboration of an AI/ML strategy for use in space systems and processes, together with an associated roadmap and risks;
• disseminating the results of technical reporting through peer-reviewed journal publications, colloquiums and webinars;
• contributing to the development of advanced benchmark problems that can serve as baseline and reference cases for various R&D projects.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

In line with the application areas and technology domains, you will be assigned to consolidating research and applying AI technology to a specific topic(s), which will be detailed and consolidated in accordance with your profile and experience.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

A PhD in artificial intelligence, software engineering or data science is required.
Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates who have obtained their PhD in the past five years.

Additional requirements

You should also have:

• A good knowledge of critical software development processes is an asset.
• This position, located at the intersection between academic approaches and industrial applications, and between AI and software systems engineering, is at the core of the challenges relating to the current embedded systems. It also provides an opportunity to transition gradually from an academic context to an industrial setting.
• You should have good interpersonal and communication skills in order to interact with the systems engineering, AI and MBSE community and be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. A methodological approach and good organisational skills are required.
• You should demonstrate an interest in space, with the ability to and an interest in becoming actively involved in prospective interdisciplinary research.

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.