Flight Vehicles & Aerothermodynamic Engineer
Provide expert support in aerothermodynamics and flight vehicle engineering.
Overview
Provide expert support in aerothermodynamics and flight vehicle engineering.
You have:
- 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.
- Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation.
- Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
- Good knowledge of English or French required; knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
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
Description
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.
Duties
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.
Technical competencies
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
Behavioural competencies
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.
Additional requirements
- 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 [email protected].
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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a challenging engineering project you worked on in flight vehicle engineering? | The interviewer wants to assess your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills in aerospace engineering. | Discuss the project details, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to its success. |
| How do you keep up with the latest advancements in aerothermodynamics? | This question seeks to understand your commitment to continuous learning and staying current in your field. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain a time when you had to foster cooperation in a project with multiple stakeholders. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What innovative methodologies have you applied in your previous projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with project management in the context of R&D activities. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you assess the performance of a flight vehicle design? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Discuss a time you identified a critical problem in a project and helped resolve it. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your understanding of Space Engineering Standards and their relevance? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |