Thermal Engineer

Thermal Engineer (Thermal Control Section)

Thermal Engineer in the Thermal Control Section, Thermal Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Thermal Control Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of thermal control, including cryogenics, two-phase heat transport and thermal protection.

The Section is part of a key centre of competence in space thermal engineering, covering the complete temperature range and staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies.

The Section offers a unique opportunity to contribute to solutions to the thermal challenges required for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment, and is very active in knowledge management.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of thermal control and cryogenics throughout all project phases
• Participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals
• Performing analysis as required to support the thermal subsystem definition
• Participating in thermal testing activities and correlating analysis and test results
• Identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution
• Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes
• Defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs
• Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures
• Laboratory activities as required
• Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise
• Contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

Technical competencies

• General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Hands-on hardware experience
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Environmental testing for space hardware
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Experience in spacecraft thermal engineering, related technologies and a general knowledge of space thermal control analysis tools, such as ESATAN-TMS, is required.

Experience in cryogenics would be an asset.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.