Materials and Processes Engineer

ESA is seeking a Materials and Processes Engineer to join the Materials, Manufacturing and Assembly Section within 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 (R&D) in the area of materials and associated manufacturing processes.

Description

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

Duties

Reporting 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 processes throughout all project phases, with a particular focus on the reliability of electronic assemblies and the associated manufacturing processes, predictive performance modelling, process and product verification and defect analysis.
• Acting as an electronic assembly expert for ESA projects and providing technical expertise in MPCBs and NRBs.
• Conducting ESA process audits of electronic assembly manufacturing lines in accordance with ECSS standards.
• Reviewing test plans and assessing test results for the verification of soldering processes in compliance with ECSS standards.
• Supporting tests, qualifications and failure investigations by coordinating relevant laboratory test activities and drafting relevant reports.
• Developing test and modelling methodologies for the evaluation of electronic assemblies and to verify processes against application requirements.
• Defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs in the field of electronic assembly.
• Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes.
• Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures.
• Liaising and collaborating with other engineering disciplines.
• Participating in the definition, drafting, implementation and updating of the ECSS standards relevant to the Section’s domain of competence.
• Supporting relevant working groups, both internally and externally, for technical coordination in the area of electronic assembly and PCB technologies.
• Supporting the implementation of the ESA Advanced Manufacturing Cross-Cutting Initiative and proposing new batches of associated activities by reviewing and assessing (advanced) manufacturing technologies, including digitalisation, virtual manufacturing and serial production, and ensuring synergy with other industrial high-end technology domains, such as the aeronautics, nuclear, automotive and medical sectors.
• 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 in materials science, metallurgy and materials testing
• Specific experience in high-reliability soldering connections
• Project support experience in the reliability of electronic assemblies
• Good knowledge of the ECSS standards relating to electronic manufacturing and experience in their application to the verification of electronic assembly processes
• Proven experience in performing inspections of electronic assemblies and in using and applying ECSS standards
• Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• 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 and professional experience

A master's in materials engineering or science is required for this post together with 4 years relevant professional experience in general engineering and science of materials and related manufacturing processes.

Additional requirements

• Proven experience in the assessment of manufacturing processes.
• Good knowledge of materials performance and processing

The following would be considered assets:

• A PhD in a relevant domain
• Knowledge of IPC standards for electronic assemblies and PCB manufacturing
• Experience with Pb-free assembly processes and their reliability
• Proven experience in the space industry

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.