Mechanisms Engineer

The Mechanisms Engineer will be part of the Mechanisms Section, Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Mechanisms Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the fields of space mechanisms (such as for deployment and pointing or hold-down and release, solar array drives and reaction wheels), tribology, pyrotechnics, and space mechanical systems for satellites and launchers.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include: providing technical expertise and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of mechanisms, throughout all project phases; participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals; identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution, as well as assessing mechanism development and verification test programmes; 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; defining relevant infrastructure requirements in terms of testing, standards and numerical simulation; participating in hands-on laboratory activities as required; monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise; disseminating the results of the activities performed and actively contributing to the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include performing other activities within your field of competence.

A master's degree in mechanical or aeronautical engineering is required. Experience with space mechanism/mechanism building blocks and related subsystems is desirable, as is knowledge of space tribology. Several years of experience in the design, development and testing of mechanisms for space or aeronautical applications would be considered an asset. Knowledge of simulation software, e.g. MATLAB/Simulink®, CAD design tools (such as FreeCAD) or other more specialised software tools (Ansys Maxwell , COMSOL, Adams , LabVIEW, CABARET, RBSDYN , OptiStruct, etc.), with a particular emphasis on: time and frequency domain performance representation and analysis; multibody system modelling and simulation; design (including topology optimisation) and FEM analysis of compliant mechanisms; electromagnetic system modelling and simulation; multiphysics modelling and simulation; ball bearing loading/strength and stiffness analysis; test data acquisition and post-processing.

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged. 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.