Internship – AI/ML Engineer

Space Applications Services NV/SA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 10,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Multicultural team

Client exposure

Monthly allowance

Internship program

Job summary

Space Applications Services NV/SA seeks an intern to advance AI/ML methods for ISS payloads and microgravity experiments. You will help collect and preprocess data, train models, and apply computer vision to scientific imaging in a multidisciplinary space research setting.

The role offers hands-on experience at the crossroads of applied AI, engineering, and space science, with opportunities to work on constrained hardware and evolving payload concepts.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master’s degree (or final‑year Bachelor’s) in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong interest in applying AI/ML to real scientific and engineering problems, ideally within space or research domains.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis, model development, and experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to collect, curate, and preprocess datasets (image, video, sensor data).
• Develop, train, and evaluate ML/DL models for image-based identification, classification, tracking, inspection, anomaly detection, and quantitative analysis.
• Implement computer vision techniques for scientific imaging (microscopy, time-series analysis, event detection, pose estimation).
• Support integration of AI/ML models considering space constraints (limited compute, power, data downlink).
• Test, validate, and document AI-enabled applications in lab and pre-flight environments.
• Contribute to studies on AI-assisted or autonomous payload concepts for future platforms.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

OpenCV

Linux

Data analysis

English

Teamwork

Education

Master’s degree candidate

Final-year Bachelor’s

Tools

NumPy

Pandas

OpenCV

Matplotlib

Job description

The ICE Cubes Service is expanding its portfolio of research payloads for the International Space Station (ISS) and other microgravity / LEO platforms, with an increasing number of experiments generating complex datasets and a number of possible applications that require the utilization of AI/ML based techniques. To support this growth, there is a need to develop and apply AI, machine learning, and machine vision techniques to enhance data analysis, automation, and scientific return, in addition to the support of crew activity and status monitoring.

This internship supports ongoing and upcoming payloads by contributing to the development, testing, and integration of AI/ML solutions in a multidisciplinary environment. The role offers hands‑on experience at the intersection of applied AI, engineering, and space research, supporting future AI‑enabled microgravity experimentation.

Internship Position

The ICE Cubes Service is expanding its portfolio of research payloads for the International Space Station (ISS) and other microgravity / LEO platforms, with an increasing number of experiments generating complex datasets and a number of possible applications that require the utilization of AI/ML based techniques. To support this growth, there is a need to develop and apply AI, machine learning, and machine vision techniques to enhance data analysis, automation, and scientific return, in addition to the support of crew activity and status monitoring.

This internship supports ongoing and upcoming payloads by contributing to the development, testing, and integration of AI/ML solutions in a multidisciplinary environment. The role offers hands‑on experience at the intersection of applied AI, engineering, and space research, supporting future AI‑enabled microgravity experimentation.

• Location: Sint-Stevens-Woluwe (Brussels Area)

• Duration: From 3 to 6 months

• Start date: As soon as possible.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The intern will support AI/ML activities related to microgravity research payloads, including:

• Collaborating with engineers and scientists to collect, curate, and preprocess experimental datasets (e.g. image, video, and sensor data from life and physical sciences experiments).
• Developing, training, and evaluating machine learning and deep learning models for applications such as image‑based identification, classification, tracking, inspection, anomaly detection, and quantitative analysis.
• Implementing computer vision techniques for scientific imaging (e.g. microscopy, time‑series image analysis, event detection, human pose estimation, health status and vital sign estimation).
• Supporting the integration of AI/ML models considering constraints typical of space systems (limited compute, power, and data downlink).
• Conducting testing, validating, and documenting of AI‑enabled applications in laboratory and pre‑flight environments.
• Contributing to studies on AI‑assisted or autonomous payload concepts for future microgravity platforms.

Skills and Experience

• Currently pursuing a Master’s degree (or final‑year Bachelor’s) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in applying AI/ML to real scientific and engineering problems, ideally within the space or research domain.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis, model development, and experimentation.
• Experience with machine learning and deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Familiarity with computer vision techniques and data analysis libraries (e.g. NumPy, Pandas, OpenCV, Matplotlib).
• Strong proficiency with Linux‑based operating systems, including development and experimentation in Linux environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a hands‑on and pragmatic approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team combining science and engineering.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and motivation to work in novel and constrained environments.
• Good written and spoken English.

Our Offer

• An experience within a growing company with highly motivated Engineers, Scientists and Administrative Staff coming from all different horizons and countries
• A professional and multicultural working atmosphere
• A client exposure and networking opportunities
• A full-time Internship with a monthly lump sum allowance, under certain conditions.