Structures Engineer

This is a fixed-term position with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the contract may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years. Any appointment to this position will begin no earlier than 1 January 2026.

About the Role

The Structures Engineer will join the Structures Section (TEC-MSS), which is part of the Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division of the Mechanical Department in ESA’s Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality. The Structures Section (TEC-MSS) provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in all aspects of spacecraft and launcher structures — from load derivation and structural sizing to functional space structure design and testing. The work covers the full cycle of structural engineering: from mission requirements and verification philosophy to advanced test campaigns and the development of next-generation structures. The Section also drives innovation in structural digital twins, advanced manufacturing, virtual testing and sustainable materials, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of space structural technologies.

Main Duties

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

• Participating in feasibility studies for the preparation of specifications and analysis of industrial proposals.
• Providing functional support to approved spacecraft and payload projects and conceptual and feasibility studies in relation to all aspects of mechanical systems and configuration, structural design, static and dynamic analyses, fracture control and mechanical testing.
• Identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution, including the evaluation of complete mechanical systems.
• Performing structural analyses as required to support the development of structure subsystems.
• Participating in major reviews of spacecraft, launchers and payloads.
• Establishing and evaluating specifications for the development and qualification of spacecraft system and subsystem structures with respect to defining requirements for environment-induced loads, model development philosophy and relevant verification methods.
• Participating in the definition and execution of Agency standards and technology R&D programmes with special emphasis on mechanical system and configuration aspects, lightweight structures, structural dynamics and advanced structural materials technologies.
• Supporting activities on structural integrity as well as the evaluation of loads during the lifetime of the structures and their impact on overall verification, including the establishment of specifications, design, analysis, inspection and testing.
• Supporting concurrent design activities regarding mechanical systems aspects.
• Monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.
• Your duties may also include performing other activities within your field of competence.

Technical Competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Experience in the development and verification of space hardware
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation
• Understanding of related technologies and R&D trends and familiarity with the industrial landscape
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work and proposal evaluation)
• Experience of the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

Behavioural Competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in aerospace, aeronautical or mechanical engineering (or a related field) is required for this post.

Additional Requirements

Desirable assets include experience in:

• Structural digital twins and virtual testing
• Advanced manufacturing for space structures
• Structural health monitoring (SHM)
• Sustainability and demisability in structural design

Important Information

• 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.
• During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, 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.
• The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
• According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States.
• 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.