Thermal Analysis and Verification Engineer

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

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

The Thermal Analysis and Verification Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of thermal analysis methods and tools, as well as interdisciplinary analysis in the mechanical domain and related product data exchange. It is also responsible for the Mechanical Systems Laboratory, which provides support to ESA projects and external customers in the area of thermal and mechanical verification by test.

The Section is part of the Thermal Division, a key centre of competence in space thermal engineering. The Division covers the complete temperature range and is staffed with around 45 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal technologies and methodologies. The Section offers, as such, a unique opportunity to contribute on the thermal challenges faced by ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

Duties

You will report 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 analysis (including related methods, tools and product data exchange) and verification throughout all project phases;
• performing thermal and interdisciplinary analysis to support ESA projects, including product data exchange tasks;
• participating in thermal verification and testing activities;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• 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;
• 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.

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

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Knowledge of thermal analysis tools such as ESATAN-TMS, as well as knowledge of space thermal control engineering
• Understanding of and practical experience with related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Environmental testing for space hardware
• Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and laboratory technical infrastructure

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Knowledge of and interest in multidisciplinary analysis, software engineering, and numerical methods would be considered an asset.

Important Information and Disclaimer

• In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
• 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.
• Successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
• 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

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.