Thermal Analysis and Verification Engineer

Provide expert technical support and consultancy in thermal analysis and verification.

ESA - European Space Agency

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Application deadline in 17 days: Tuesday 23 Jun 2026 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide expert technical support and consultancy in thermal analysis and verification.

You have:

  • A master's degree in a relevant domain is required.
  • 5 years of relevant professional experience is required.
  • Good knowledge of English or French is required.
  • Knowledge of multidisciplinary analysis, software engineering, and numerical methods would be considered an asset.
  • Eligibility to access controlled information is required.
  • Candidates must be nationals of specific countries listed in the job post.

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

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

The Thermal Analysis and Verification Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of thermal analysis methods and tools, as well as interdisciplinary analysis in the mechanical domain and related product data exchange. It is also responsible for the Mechanical Systems Laboratory, which provides support to ESA projects and external customers in the area of thermal and mechanical verification by test.

The Section is part of the Thermal Division, a key centre of competence in space thermal engineering. The Division covers the complete temperature range and is staffed with around 45 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal technologies and methodologies. The Section offers, as such, a unique opportunity to contribute on the thermal challenges faced by ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

Duties

You will report 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 analysis (including related methods, tools and product data exchange) and verification throughout all project phases;
  • performing thermal and interdisciplinary analysis to support ESA projects, including product data exchange tasks;
  • participating in thermal verification and testing activities;
  • participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
  • 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;
  • 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.

Duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Knowledge of thermal analysis tools such as ESATAN-TMS, as well as knowledge of space thermal control engineering

Understanding of and practical experience with related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Environmental testing for space hardware

Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and laboratory technical infrastructure

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 degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Knowledge of and interest in multidisciplinary analysis, software engineering, and numerical methods would be considered an asset.

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 your experience with thermal analysis tools? This question assesses your hands-on experience and familiarity with essential tools for the job. Provide specific examples of tools used and projects where they were applied.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends in thermal control engineering? This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning in your field. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a critical development problem you resolved? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a project where you had to collaborate with other disciplines. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What are the key factors you consider when performing environmental testing? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell me about your experience with project reviews and feasibility studies. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach technology development requirements and work plans? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you believe knowledge transfer is important in engineering projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 3 days ago - Updated 20 minutes ago - Source: jobs.esa.int