Materials and Processes Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 18754

Date Posted: 20 June 2024

Application Deadline: 11 July 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Harwell, GB

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Description
Materials and Processes Engineer in the Materials and Processes Section, Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Materials and Processes Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the area of materials and associated manufacturing processes.

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

• providing technical expertise and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of materials and processes throughout all project phases, with a particular focus on, but not limited to, composite and metallic materials, related bonding and joining processes, material/process relationships, predictive performance modelling, process and product verification and defect analysis;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• supporting the selection of materials, mechanical parts and processes for ESA programmes in the framework of the Materials and Processes Review Boards;
• 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;
• supporting tests, qualifications and failure investigations by coordinating relevant laboratory test activities and, in particular, modelling of materials performance relating to applied processes and stimuli and drafting of relevant reports;
• liaising and collaborating with other engineering disciplines;
• developing test and modelling methodologies for the evaluation of materials and for verifying processes against application requirements;
• participating in the definition, drafting, implementation and updating of the ECSS standards relevant to the Section’s domain of competence;
• supporting the implementation of the ESA Advanced Manufacturing Cross-Cutting Initiative as well as proposing new batches of associated activities by reviewing and assessing the (advanced) manufacturing technologies, including digitalisation and virtual manufacturing, and ensuring synergy with other industrial high-end technology domains, such as the aeronautics, nuclear, automotive or medical domains;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• disseminating the results of the activities performed and actively contributing to the transfer of knowledge across the Agency;
• contributing to the contract management and task supervision for the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory;
• supervising trainees and interns with access to the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory;
• liaising with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for exploitation and access to test facilities on the Harwell campus.

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 with the design, development and application of relevant tools and methods

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

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation

Experience in the management and monitoring of 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

Education
A master's degree in materials engineering or science is required for this post. Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD.

Additional requirements

• At least four years of experience in general engineering and science of materials and related manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience in advanced manufacturing, such as additive manufacturing or 3D printing.
• Good knowledge of materials performance and processing.
• Knowledge of Digital Twin and virtual testing would be an asset.
• Proven experience in the space industry will 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, 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 [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 technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

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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