Non-Metallic Materials and Processes Engineer

Are you looking for a new opportunity to take your career to a higher orbit? To join an international group with a successful track record in Space Engineering? A job adapted to your career ambitions and in which you could have an impact for the years to come?

On behalf of ESA,  we are looking for a Non-Metallic Materials and Processes Engineer to work at ESTEC’s premises in Noordwijk, Netherlands.

About the client and location

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) base in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. As ESA’s largest test centre, it is responsible for the majority of space technology and spacecraft development through varying phases of production.

Tasks and activities

The scope of work will include:

• Act as Project Focal Point with a non-metallic materials and processes expert role for defined ESA projects, reporting to the Projects Engineering as well as Product Assurance and Safety Managers, including participation to Projects meetings, reviews and audits.
• Support Materials and Processes reviews, Materials and Processes Control Boards (MPCB’s) and participate as Engineering and/or PA Board Member in ESA Programme reviews milestones.
• Review Declared Materials, Parts and Processes Lists.
• Perform laboratory characterisation and verification for space use on spacecraft and launchers of a variety of non-metallic materials (including but not limited to ceramics, glasses, polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites and thermoplastics) as well as all associated manufacturing processes.
• Analyse the behaviour and perform failure investigation of non-metallic materials and their associated manufacturing processes using a variety of laboratory equipment, among others NDI, physic-chemical laboratory simulation, testing and analysis, thermal analysis, chemical analysis, physical and microscopic analysis, surface analysis, spectroscopic analysis, etc.
• Support major Non-Conformances Review Board activities, perform failure analysis and failure investigation using a variety of laboratory tools (including acoustic microscopy, optical microscopy, confocal microscopy, XRD, X-Ray, NDI etc.) and drafting of related reports.
• Contribute to the establishment issuing and implementation of standards for the development and the procurement of space grade materials.
• Support the operation and regular updating of the associated management information tools and system databases, including dedicated materials and processes databases.
• Participate to the Division/Section R&D strategy definition and implementation, while supporting issuing roadmaps and strategic papers related to the Division/Section disciplines.
• Support the preparation, issuing and management of the technology roadmaps for advanced non-metallic materials and processes developments.
• Support the definition and implementation of the Research and Technology activities in the domain of non-metallic materials, structural ceramics and related manufacturing processes and coating systems.
• Support the evaluation of proposals for technology R&D activities on their technical merit, consistency and priorities and recommendation for ESA endorsement.
• Support the coordination of technology R&D activities, monitoring of the procurement implementation, evaluation and reporting of the achieved results and lessons learnt to the relevant ESA Directorates and key Partners.

Skills and experience

The following skills and experience are mandatory:

• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in materials engineering and science, materials physics or another related field.
• At least 4 years proven industrial experience preferably covering aerospace hardware and R&D with strong focus on non-metallic materials and associated manufacturing and applied processes.
• Familiarity with ESA Materials and processes related requirements.
• Understanding of space missions related requirements and capability to propose verification methods including testing, analysis, inspections.
• Materials laboratory hands-on experience related to non-metallic materials and manufacturing processes characterisation/verification and failure investigation.
• Good understanding of application of simulation tools for mechanical and thermal performance of composite materials towards virtual testing and digital twinning.
• Ability to work effectively, autonomously and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment, defining and implementing solutions in line with team and individual objectives, as well as project deadlines.
• Solution oriented mindset, with a customer focused communication skill.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

The following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Familiarity with high-temperature materials, including CMCs, ceramics, and hybrid composites, for use in space applications; their manufacturing methods, characterization methods and performance evaluation.
• Understanding of the mechanical, thermal, and environmental requirements of composite materials in launcher systems and space vehicles.
• Specific experience with composite materials used for tanks or pressure vessels, such as fuel tanks, cryogenic tanks, or pressurized systems.
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials, including CMCs, ceramics, and hybrid composites, for use in space applications; their manufacturing methods, characterization methods and performance evaluation.
• Understanding of the mechanical, thermal, and environmental requirements of composite materials in launcher systems and space vehicles.
• Specific experience with composite materials used for tanks or pressure vessels, such as fuel tanks, cryogenic tanks, or pressurized systems.

Why should you apply?

• You will have the opportunity to work within leading space organisations across Europe.
• We encourage everyone to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional knowledge. This role is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking company and allows for a deeper understanding of the industry.
• To be part of a company that values integrity, inspiration, care and collaboration.
• Benefits include: competitive remuneration packages; unique career opportunities, including working in other countries; access to training and development programmes; flexible relocation support.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, all genders, LGBTQ+ individuals and ex-service personnel.