Intern in the Engineering, Software Development and Visualization tools

Eclipse RCP and SWT serve as the foundation of many large-scale, professional desktop applications in corporations like SAP, BOSCH, Infineon, Renesas, Vector, as well as in governmental organizations such as SBB, Infrabel, and InfraGO — including those at ESA/ESOC.

However, the native SWT rendering layer is showing its age in terms of UI capabilities, visual fidelity, and cross-platform consistency. Initiative 31, driven by the Eclipse Foundation, explores a forward-looking approach using Skija, the Java binding to Google’s cross-platform 2D graphics engine Skia — the same engine used in Chrome, Android WebView, and Samsung Internet.

Objective:

you will support Initiative 31 by implementing and validating a modern SWT rendering layer based on Skija/Skia. In addition, you will contribute directly to the upstream swt-initiative31/skija prototype, focusing on:

• rendering logic.
• layout behavior.
• and basic widget implementations.

In parallel, they will evaluate how the Skija backend could be integrated and tested within ESA's ETS-based ground segment systems, which are mission-critical platforms. 

Technical Focus Areas:

• set up and explore the swt-initiative31/skija prototype.
• implement or extend basic SWT widgets using Skija.
• contribute to input event handling (mouse, keyboard, focus traversal).
• explore rendering themes (light/dark mode, custom styles).
• prototype loading of self-contained ETS views using the Skija backend
• benchmark widget rendering performance across platforms (Windows/Linux).
• suggest improvements, raise issues, or open SPRs/PRs in the Initiative 31 GitHub.

Tools & Technologies Java 21 Skija (Java bindings to Skia) Maven / Git / GitHub Eclipse RCP / SWT (Optional) JavaFX, JUnit, performance profilers (JFR, VisualVM).

Topic 4: Infrastructure for ground segment innovation

OPS-GA is responsible for the development, maintenance and evolution of the applications used for the preparation, launch and operation of all ESA un-crewed space missions. In addition to these tools, OPS-GA has also developed and maintains many auxiliar tools useful in certain phases of mission operations. Tools and applications are developed based on mission needs, and on different versions of available core infrastructure systems. 

Moreover, OPS-GA and the AGSA lab provide essential infrastructure and services that support a variety of operational and research activities within ESA. These include platforms such as llm servers, shared virtual GPUs (VGPUs) used by OPS-G, and the broader utilization of cloud resources. Ensuring the smooth operation, availability, and continuous improvement of these services is critical for mission support and innovation. As an intern, you will contribute to the support and maintenance of AGSA and its associated services, working on both day-to-day operational tasks and long-term improvements. This role provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with cloud-based platforms, GPU-enabled infrastructure, and service integration in a high-impact operational environment.