Project Description:

GMV have been working on a series of European Space Agency activities to develop a novel Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) system for fast lunar rovers. The GNC software is vision-based perception, global and local path planning among other functionalities, which enable a rover to navigate at speeds of up to1.0m/s (substantially faster than the typical 10cm/s for current planetary rovers!). Up to now, we have been developing this on a prototype lunar rover platform ,however we wish to expand this deployment onto other rover platforms, including our tracked platform, BUNKER#1. In addition, we would like to include new navigation sensors, including LiDAR.

For this project, it is proposed that the successful candidate will be responsible for taking the existing GNC system software, deploying and integrating this onto our BUNKER#1 platform, making software adaptation as required. Once deployed, the candidate will verify the deployment through conducting local field tests with the rover platform. Also, the candidate will work on integrating new navigation sensors and adapting the GNC software to accommodate these.

The proposed project would see the successful applicant be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of a novel GNC system for ESA, and support the continuous development efforts of this system. It would also allow the applicant to plan, prepare and run a final demonstration with the rover platform, with support from the robotics team, to showcase the system integration. This will involve the candidate performing the following tasks:

• Reviewing existing codebase to develop an understanding of the current GNC software status

• Developing, debugging, and deploying code with a focus on integrating the software onto the rover platform

• Developing extensions of the GNC software to include new navigation sensors

• Consultation with the robotics team on design choices

• Presentation of results and participation with any internal reviews, project updates and all project team meetings. (Additionally, there will be an internal presentation where the candidate shall present to the wider Business Unit the outcomes of their project).

The candidate will have the opportunity to work as a member of the UK Robotics team, as part of the Robotics & Onboard Autonomy division within GMV. It is expected that they will acquire the following skills during the project:

• An opportunity to gain real-world experience in working on a large, complex software project for space and terrestrial applications.

• Improving programming skills in C++/Python and the use of robotics libraries, such as ROS2 / OpenCV / Point Cloud Library / Eigen, and gain experienceworking with Software Projects, architectures, frameworks and applied patterns

• Time management, communication and teamwork in a company environment albeit with Hybrid working constraints

• Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

Applicant Specification:

• Academic: BSc (obtained or expected) in Computer Science, Space Systems Engineering, Robotics or other relevant degree

• Minimum requirements:

  - Good programming knowledge (Python, C++)

  - A working understanding of relevant libraries/tools, e.g., ROS/ROS2

  - Enthusiasm for problem solving and highly motivated

• Desirable requirements:

  - Knowledge of and/or working experience with vision/LiDAR sensors

  - Knowledge of robotic navigation principles – path planning / navigation etc.

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• In-person Induction Event to be held on [date], and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held at the [place/date]

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

How we work:

We strive to create a high trust environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this:

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.