The Robotics Software and Intelligence (RSI) Division is responsible for the study, design, prototyping and development of state-of-the-art robotics products for our Customers.

Position

In the context of multiple projects, autonomous manipulation solutions are required for robotic arms coupled with perception in the loop.

The successful candidate will contribute to developing, prototyping and testing trajectory planning, kinematics and dynamics-based control algorithms for mobile manipulators for ongoing projects of the RSI division, as well as testing on mobile robotics platforms.

• Location : Sint-Stevens-Woluwe (Brussels Area)
• Start date : Quarter 3, 2025.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Analyse project requirements from use cases
• Identify solutions from the State-of-the-Art manipulation strategies linked with perception of the environment
• Design software architecture, development of software algorithms and testing with simulated and real data sets
• Integrate hardware updates to existing manipulators in terms of sensors and effectors
• Develop and evaluate software for autonomous manipulation modalities for diverse end effectors in unstructured environments
• Handle end-to-end implementation, testing, integration and optimisation on target robot architecture and simulated twin

Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree or PhD in relevant fields (robotics, automation & control, computer science, mechatronics, software engineering)
• At least 2 or 3 years of demonstrable experience in industrial and/or research domains of mobile manipulation control
• Proven experience in integrating and testing developed software, drivers, and hardware components on real robots—either in industrial environments or during field testing and validation campaigns

Strong knowledge and experience in:

• Trajectory planning/generation, kinematic and dynamics solvers and control of manipulators, end effectors and/or mobile robots
• Programming in C++ and Python within Linux environment, including use of Git and Docker

Experience with:

• Computer vision – Mapping/3D reconstruction, object detection, tracking, 3D pose estimation of targets
• Robotics software development in ROS/ROS2, kinematics/dynamics frameworks (Ex. MoveIt2)
• Manipulator control coupled with Vision - visual servoing, tracking targets etc

In addition:

• Proficient in writing and understanding technical documentation
• Strength to cope with schedules and deadlines
• Good written and spoken English
• Willingness to commit and take major responsibilities in challenging robotic field test campaigns.

Considered as Assets

• Development using robotics simulators (e.g. Gazebo, Webots, Unity)
• Optimal grasping points estimation
• AI-ML vision - detection and pose estimation of objects
• Experience using one or more DL frameworks (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras)
• Continuous Integration methodologies.

Our Offer

• Working within an exceptional sector with Staff located in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands
• A professional and modern working environment with motivated Administrative Staff, Engineers, Astronaut Training Instructors and Scientists coming from all different horizons and countries with a common passion for space and their own expertise
• A full-time position with an indefinite contract of employment
• A competitive remuneration package and good working conditions
• Working from home in part can be a possibility
• An individualised training and development programmes.

About Us

Space Applications Services NV/SA is an independent Belgian company founded in 1987. Aerospace Applications North America is our Partner company in Houston, USA.

Our aim is to research and develop innovative systems, solutions and products and provide services to the aerospace and security markets and related industries. Our activities cover manned and unmanned spacecraft, launch/re-entry vehicles, control centres, robotics and a wide range of information systems.

The Company develops payloads, avionics, robotics technology and products, and provides complete mission operations control centre solutions to EN9100 standards.

We also provide engineering, science and training services, including astronaut training.

From our headquarters, we are in daily contact with the International Space Station (ISS) ensuring our Customers’ research is successful.

How To Apply

Upload your CV and Motivation Letter, both in English.

The candidate shall be eligible to work in the European Union.