Key Skills

Job Description

Your (space) mission Are you passionate about optics, mechatronics, machine vision, and automation? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge technology used in future space missions? During this internship, you will design, build, program, and validate an advanced optical inspection system for Silicon Pore Optics (SPO), a key technology used in next-generation X-ray telescopes for space exploration. This project offers a unique combination of optics, mechatronics, software development, image processing, and data analysis. You will have the opportunity to work on both hardware and software, take ownership of a challenging technical project, and make a direct impact on the development of innovative space technology. Tasks & Responsibilities You will develop an automated setup consisting of a motorized microscopy stage and two cameras capable of inspecting both sides of SPO plates By acquiring and processing large volumes of image data, you will identify and classify defects, creating the foundation for machine vision algorithms and AI-driven defect detection Your profile Third-year Bachelor or Master student in Applied Physics, Optics, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Vision, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field Hands-on mindset and enthusiasm for solving complex technical challenges Interest in imaging systems, automation, and machine learning What We Offer Experience working on a multidisciplinary high-tech project Exposure to advanced optical and imaging technologies The opportunity to develop a system that will be used for real-world quality inspection and automation A challenging internship with tangible results and significant technical freedom About Cosine Founded in 1998, cosine is a world-leading developer of space instrumentation and measurement systems, making the invisible measurable and the complex actionable. Its expertise spans High-Energy Optics, including optics developed for ESA’s future NewAthena X-ray observatory, as well as remote sensing solutions for Earth Observation and planetary science. With over 25 years of experience and advanced cleanroom and assembly facilities across the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, cosine brings deep scientific and engineering expertise to some of the most demanding missions in space and on Earth. What makes cosine a unique place to work is that your work goes end-to-end: from concept and design to building, testing, and delivering hardware that actually flies in space. You work in small, highly skilled teams where you have real ownership and impact, alongside experts in optics, physics, nanofabrication, and systems engineering. cosine is committed to providing an inclusive and equal opportunities work environment where everyone can thrive. As a proud member of the Women in Aerospace community, we recognise the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace.

Core Responsibilities

Design, build, program, and validate an automated optical inspection system for Silicon Pore Optics plates, using a motorized microscopy stage and two cameras to inspect both sides. Acquire and process image data to identify and classify defects, supporting the development of machine vision and AI-driven detection algorithms.

Requirements

Applicants should be third-year bachelor’s or master’s students in Applied Physics, Optics, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Vision, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A hands-on approach, enthusiasm for complex technical challenges, and interest in imaging systems, automation, and machine learning are sought.

Benefits

• Multidisciplinary High-Tech Project Experience
• Exposure to Advanced Optical and Imaging Technologies
• Real-World Quality Inspection and Automation Experience
• Technical Freedom and Project Ownership