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
The Flight Vehicle and Aerothermodynamics Engineer reports to the Head of the Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Section (TEC‑MPA), within the Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Section (TEC-MPA) is responsible for research, technology development and testing activities related to aero(thermo)dynamics, fluid mechanics, flight physics, and flight vehicle engineering. It is also responsible for providing engineering support and technical expertise to ESA projects in these technical domains. The Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Section (TEC-MPA) is the technical focal point for flight vehicle architecture design, assessment and performance evaluation.
You will report to the Head of Section and, within the above technical fields, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
Provision of expert technical support to projects
- Providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects and programmes in the field of aero(thermo)dynamics, fluid mechanics, flight physics, and flight vehicle engineering;
- Participating in feasibility studies and project reviews throughout all project phases;
- Identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
- Using engineering software tools and facilities relevant to the technical domain, in support of projects and assessments
- Promoting the use of relevant technical standards and best engineering practices, innovative methodologies and solutions in projects;
Definition and management of R&D activities
- Contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes and R&D strategy;
- Defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and shortterm needs of the Agency;
Knowledge building and transfer
- 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 performing other activities within your field of competence.
General background and specific expertise in several of the domains of aero(thermo)dynamics, fluid mechanics, flight physics, and flight vehicle engineering.
Knowledge of the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods in the technical domains covered by the Section
Understanding of technical challenges in these domains encountered by spacecraft and launchers
Understanding of relevant technologies, R&D trends and the associated industrial landscape
Experience in managing and monitoring industrial activities, including participation in reviews
Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education and professional experience
A master's in a relevant domain is required for this post together with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
- Long-standing experience in several of the engineering topics that are in the technical domain of the section.
- Demonstrated know-how of these topics in the context of relevant space applications.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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 & 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
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.
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.
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