Structural Engineer

The Structures Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the fields of mechanical systems, structural design and verification, manufacturing, structural dynamics and application of lightweight structures.

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 For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education A master's degree in aeronautical or mechanical engineering is required. Additional requirements Good knowledge of spacecraft, payload, equipment and mechanical systems, in particular with respect to space vehicles structures. Good knowledge of advanced methods of structural design, development and verification (analysis and mechanical testing) of spacecraft, payloads, equipment and launchers is required. Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset: Implementation of damage tolerance and fracture control as applicable to spacecraft and launcher systems (including human-rated applications). Mechanical system engineering and interfaces with other spacecraft systems disciplines (including launcher interface). Spacecraft/payload structural hardware development and structural analysis. Spacecraft/payload hardware mechanical testing (preparation, supervision and evaluation). Concurrent engineering, spacecraft conceptual/feasibility studies.