Location and Attitude Determination Software Engineer (volunteer, unpaid)

About us:
Team Tumbleweed is a new space pioneering team of scientists and engineers from across the world, with the main goal of disrupting conventional Martian exploration methods by developing a fast swarm of rolling, wind-driven, lightweight rovers. Our innovative approach will reduce cost, risks and will provide valuable scientific data from different points in space-time of the Martian surface, making Mars radically more accessible by making access to the surface two orders of magnitude more cost-effective.

Job description:
We are looking for a highly motivated and result-oriented unpaid volunteer to help with the location and attitude determination sub-system of our Tumbleweed Rovers. The Tumbleweed rovers will collect a lot of scientific data and we need to accurately tag the date with the location where it was collected. There is no Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) on Mars and we have very strict Size, Weight, and Power & Cost (SWaP-C) constraints. Please only apply if you can volunteer at least 15 hours per week.

Tasks to be Performed:

Unity Simulation:

• As we cannot test the algorithms on Mars yet, we are using Unity to simulate the Martian terrain as well as wind patterns based on real data from Mars. We need to constantly enhance our Mars (Rover) simulations to keep up with latest technologies and developments, as well as for meeting the simulation needs of our various sub-teams.

• Develop simulated sensors and Martian environments

• Knowledge of C# is helpful for Unity simulation development

Python Coding:

• We use Python to analyse the simulation results and develop Location and Attitude Determination Algorithms. Sensor fusion requires manipulation of different data sets.

• All subsystems that require testing and development are usually coded in Python initially

Research & Development and Lab Support:

• Support laboratory activities; in particular implementing the sensors on the Tumbleweed rover prototype (this is optional as the lab is in the Netherlands). The plan is to test our sensor fusion algorithms at various Analog Rover missions to compare simulation and actual results, as well as validate our approach. Electromechanical integration of sensors and algorithms in our Delft workshop is one of the most worthwhile learning activities possible.

Required Background & Experience

Education:

• Python Programming course is a requirement. Please indicate on your CV in which degree you took the course.

• Everything related to Space, Software, Navigation, Sensors, Embedded Systems, Simulations and Robotics is a plus

Technical Skills:

• Python programming experience is a requirement (please elaborate on cover letter)

• Unity experience is a plus.

• Sensor fusion experience is a plus.

• GIS experience is a plus.

• C# is a plus.

Soft skills:

• Excellent spoken and written English.

• Good communication abilities and comfortable with working in a diverse and multinational team environment.

• Solution driven and technical enthusiast

• Passion for space exploration and innovation

• Having an intrinsic motivation for solving challenging problems.

What we offer:

• Work in a dynamic, international and collaborative environment.

• A great environment to foster and develop all the skills required for an aerospace engineer

• Possibility of publishing technical academic papers and participating in space related conferences.

• Networking and propelling your career in aerospace engineering

Check other perks and apply on the following: https://www.teamtumbleweed.eu/apply/