Intern in the XR-Lab

Our team and mission

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

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 exploraing 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.

Therefore, HRE-FI & XR-Lab is looking for 2 candidates (ideally for 6 months).

1. For topic 1, the trainee 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.

2. The topic 2 involves the creation of Virtual Reality On-Board Training (VR-OBT) scenarios for the ISS on-board VR headset. The intern will be responsible for developing training scenarios that may be taught to astronauts through VR while they are on the ISS. This project aims to explore whether VR is a suitable medium to deliver high-quality and engaging on-board training. 

Both internships will also focus on analyzing current tools and ongoing projects in the XR-Lab. Interns 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.
 

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

Topic 1: 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 to significantly contribute to various XR-Lab projects. 

As an intern 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.

Topic 2: 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 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 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.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

Candidates must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. Applicants should preferably be in their final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

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:

Topic 1:

• 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.

Topic 2:

• 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.