Materials and Processes Engineer

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.

Description

In this role as a Materials and Processes Engineer, you will bring expertise in smart manufacturing and ICME in the Materials, Manufacturing and Assembly Section of the Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Materials, Manufacturing and Assembly Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the area of materials and associated manufacturing processes.

Duties

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

• Providing technical expertise and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of materials and manufacturing processes, including smart manufacturing practices, throughout all project phases, with a particular focus on composite and metallic materials, related bonding and joining processes, material/process relationships, predictive performance modelling, process/product verification, defect analysis, etc.
• Participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals.
• Supporting the selection of materials, mechanical parts and processes for ESA programmes in the framework of the Materials and Processes Review Boards.
• 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.
• Supporting tests, qualifications and failure investigations by coordinating relevant laboratory test activities, in particular the modelling of materials performance related to applied processes and stimuli, and drafting relevant reports.
• Liaising and collaborating with other engineering disciplines.
• Developing test and modelling methodologies for the evaluation of materials and for verifying processes against application requirements.
• Participating in the definition, drafting, implementation and updating of the ECSS standards relevant to the Section’s domain of competence.
• Contributing to the implementation of the ESA Advanced Manufacturing Cross-Cutting Initiative and the Agency’s Industrialisation Centre of Competence, including activities such as system integration at industry premises, creation of new activity batches, and the assessment of advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Defining and contributing to smart manufacturing activities which include digitalisation, physics-based and data-driven manufacturing, design for manufacturing, hybrid digital twins (in collaboration with the ESA Simulation Centre of Competence, TEC-SFX), and IIoT systems for production. This also entails building synergies with high-end industrial sectors (aeronautics, nuclear, automotive, medical) and engaging with the ESA AI Centre of Competence to support the smart manufacturing of space systems.
• 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 competence.

Technical competencies

• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Experience with the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Project support experience in a relevant domain
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
• Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in materials engineering or science is required for this post together with four years of experience in general engineering and science of materials and related manufacturing processes.

Additional requirements

• Proven experience in smart manufacturing (additive manufacturing/3D printing, non-destructive inspection, IIoT sensor systems)
• Good knowledge of materials performance and processing

The following would be considered assets:

• A PhD in a relevant domain
• Good knowledge of hybrid digital twin, design for manufacturing or model-based systems engineering for manufacturing systems
• Proven experience in the space industry

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.

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.