Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Robotics

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates across various countries, focusing on a wide range of space-related activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration. The agency collaborates with numerous international partners and plays a crucial role in global space initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Estonian National Graduate Trainee in Robotics position is part of the ESA National Graduate Trainee (NGT) Programmes, which are designed to provide recent Master’s graduates with practical, hands-on experience in various space-related disciplines. This specific role is situated within the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration, which is responsible for coordinating human spaceflight efforts and exploring new frontiers in space. The trainee will engage in innovative projects that involve remote manipulation, surface mobility, embedded systems, and human-machine interfaces. The position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to ESA's strategic plans for human exploration of the Moon and Mars. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving and contribute to the development of new concepts and technologies that support sustainable human exploration in space.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a National Graduate Trainee in Robotics, the individual will be involved in various projects within the Spaceship ECSAT initiative. Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrating disruptive technologies such as Virtual/Augmented Reality and collaborative robotics, exploring their potential applications for space exploration.
• Investigating novel concepts related to Space Resources and In-Situ Resource Utilisation to enable sustainable human exploration.
• Engaging in research and development activities focused on 'off world living', including human factors and design concept illustration.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support the development of the VULCAN facility at ECSAT, which focuses on simulant development and curation activities for space applications.
• Contributing to the dissemination of knowledge within ESA and the broader scientific community regarding innovative technologies and methodologies in space exploration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. A background in robotics, computer science, or related fields is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a keen interest in space exploration and possess a general knowledge of the space sector and ESA's programs. Previous experience in international teams is considered an asset, as is a proactive attitude towards learning and professional development. The selection process will also evaluate the candidate's motivation and career goals, ensuring alignment with ESA's mission and values.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have recently completed or be in the final year of a master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical and functional domains relevant to the position and for contributing effectively to the projects undertaken by the Spaceship ECSAT team.

Experience:
The position is aimed at recent graduates, so while extensive professional experience is not required, any relevant internships, project work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate technical competencies and a commitment to the field of robotics will be beneficial. Candidates should be able to showcase their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, particularly in areas related to space exploration and technology development.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Additionally, knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to collaborate within the diverse ESA environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Graduate Trainee role, which typically involves a fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work full-time and may be required to undergo selection tests and background screening as part of the recruitment process. The role is specifically open to nationals of Estonia or permanent residents of Estonia with the nationality of an ESA Member State, Associate Member, or Cooperating State. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce, actively encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics.