Intern in the Robotics and IoT Lab - European Space Agency (Porz-Wahn)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Program locomotion and balance behaviours for humanoid robots on uneven terrain
• Develop strategies for robot operation under constrained conditions (e.g. extreme lighting at the lunar south pole)
• Explore XR-based teleoperation and supervisory control, enabling intuitive interfaces for astronauts and operators
• Explore how AI techniques such as reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and predictive models can be applied to locomotion, teleoperation, and human–robot interaction
• Investigate predictive simulation and state estimation approaches to mitigate the effects of communication latency in off-Earth teleoperation
• Contribute to methods for human–robot interaction in shared tasks, including safety and usability considerations
• Support simulation, benchmarking, and hardware validation of behaviours and interaction methods

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master's level course, with proof of enrollment for entire internship duration
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Programming in Python and C++, Understanding of control principles, algorithms, and 3D mathematics, Experience with Git and collaborative coding, Experience with agentic and AI-enhanced workflows, Interest in humanoid robotics, teleoperation, and human–robot interaction

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Working arrangements: On-site at EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany.

Hiring unit: Robotics & IoT Lab, Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration.

Position details

Reference

1452995833

Last Verified

11 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Robotics and IoT Lab at ESA based in Porz-Wahn (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452995833.

Job Requisition ID:21125

Date Posted:1 November 2026

Closing Date:30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Human and Robotic Exploration

Location EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany

Our team and mission

​​The Robotics & IoT Lab at the European Astronaut Centre focuses on advancing robotic systems and human–robot interaction in support of space exploration. Our work spans robotic autonomy, AI-supported decision-making, and XR-enabled control concepts.

​

​This internship addresses humanoid robotics in environments relevant to exploration: locomotion on uneven terrain in our lunar analogue facility, operation under extreme conditions like the lunar south pole, and collaboration with humans in shared workspaces. A particular focus is exploring XR-based teleoperation and supervision of humanoid robots, including predictive simulation approaches that compensate for pronounced communication delays in off-Earth scenarios. Additionally, a key objective is to integrate modern AI methods into control and decision-making, enabling humanoid robots to adapt to unpredictable environments and support astronauts more effectively.

​The project contributes to ESA’s efforts to bridge human presence, robotic autonomy, and immersive control systems, strengthening Europe’s expertise in humanoid robotics and human–robot teaming for future exploration missions.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​​You will work directly with a humanoid robot platform and support the development of control and interaction concepts in exploration-relevant scenarios.

​Your activities will include:

- ​programming locomotion and balance behaviours for humanoid robots on uneven terrain; - ​developing strategies for robot operation under constrained conditions (e.g. extreme lighting at the lunar south pole); - ​exploring XR-based teleoperation and supervisory control, enabling intuitive interfaces for astronauts and operators; - ​exploring how AI techniques such as reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and predictive models can be applied to locomotion, teleoperation, and human–robot interaction; - ​investigating predictive simulation and state estimation approaches to mitigate the effects of communication latency in off-Earth teleoperation; - ​contributing to methods for human–robot interaction in shared tasks, including safety and usability considerations, using AI and traditional approaches; - ​supporting simulation, benchmarking, and hardware validation of behaviours and interaction methods.

​Your learning objectives are:

- ​gain experience in humanoid robotics hardware, locomotion, and control stacks; - ​understand the challenges of XR-based teleoperation with communication latency in off-Earth contexts; - ​learn how to combine AI methods and predictive simulation for robust autonomy and remote operation; - ​develop insight into human–robot teaming and interaction design for exploration scenarios.

Behavioural competencies

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be 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 ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Essential background and skills

- studies in robotics, computer science, mechatronics, AI, or a related engineering field; - programming experience in current programming frameworks such as Python and C++; - understanding of control principles, algorithms, and 3D mathematics; - interest in humanoid robotics, teleoperation, and human–robot interaction; - experience with Git and collaborative coding; - experience with agentic and AI-enhanced workflows.

Desirable

- familiarity with XR environments (VR/AR/MR) and their application to teleoperation; - experience with simulation environments (Isaac Sim, Omniverse, Gazebo, MuJoCo, or similar); - exposure to reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or predictive simulation approaches; - curiosity about space robotics, comms latency challenges, and immersive control concepts.

We are looking for a motivated intern who can apply both robotics fundamentals and creative approaches to XR-based teleoperation, human–robot interaction, and AI-supported control, helping us explore how humanoid robots can best support future off-Earth missions.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 11 November 2026, 1 day ago.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 16 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 11 November 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Porz-Wahn see our Porz-Wahn location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.