Thermal Engineer

 

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Description

Thermal Engineer in the Thermal Control Section, Thermal Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

 

The Thermal Control Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the fields of thermal control, including cryogenics, two-phase heat transport and thermal protection.

 

The Section is part of a key centre of competence in space thermal engineering, covering the complete temperature range, and is staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies.

 

The Section offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the resolution of thermal challenges as required for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment and is very active in knowledge management.

Duties

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

 

•    providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of thermal control throughout all project phases;
•    participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
•    performing analysis as required to support thermal subsystem definition;
•    participating in thermal testing activities and correlating analysis and test results;
•    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;
•    laboratory activities as required;
•    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 expertise.

Technical competencies General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the positionHands-on hardware experienceUnderstanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscapeProject support experience in a relevant domainEnvironmental testing for space hardwareExperience 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 reviewsExperience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementationBehavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in mechanical engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

•    Experience in spacecraft thermal engineering, related technologies and general knowledge of space thermal control analysis tools, for example ESATAN-TMS
•    Experience in cryogenics may be required to support scientific and Earth observation missions 
 

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, 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. 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.

 

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 can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia. 

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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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