Description

Thermomechanical 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 and development (R&D) in the field of thermal control, including cryogenics, two-phase heat transport and thermal protection. The Section offers a unique opportunity to contribute on the thermal challenges posed by ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment, and is very active in knowledge management. 

Your initial assignment will be to the LISA (laser interferometer space antenna) project in the Projects Department of the Directorate of Science. You will be part of the LISA Payload Core Team, and will report to the LISA Payload System Lead. 

LISA is a mission comprising a constellation of three spacecraft tasked with detecting and measuring gravitational waves with precision. It will become the first ever space gravitational wave observatory, delivering world-class science with a significant public and strategic impact.

As Thermomechanical Engineer, you will have the responsibility of supporting the Payload Team during the entire development, from design to on-orbit commissioning, for all the thermal and mechanical aspects relevant to the LISA payload, both at system and subsystem level.

In that role, you will also act as technical interface with the spacecraft for all the thermomechanical aspects of the LISA payload and its subsystems.

When performing your duties, you will be provided with support from experts within the LISA Project Team and from the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
 

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities in your initial assignment will include:

• supporting the Payload Team in all the thermomechanical aspects of the LISA payload, both at system and subsystem level;
• controlling and supervising the thermomechanical payload development, from its design to the completion of its on-orbit commissioning;
• coordinating and interfacing with the spacecraft for all the thermomechanical aspects concerning the LISA payload;
• supporting all the relevant and necessary reviews;
• providing support to the LISA Project Team for other elements of the spacecraft as necessary;
• providing support to the Projects Department when required;
• coordinating the support of thermal and mechanical experts within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in engineering is required.

Additional requirements

You should also have:

• the potential to coordinate functional support on specific tasks; 
• strong leadership capabilities and communication skills;
• the ability to proactively operate in a project team;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.

The following would be considered an asset:

• proven experience in STOP analysis;
• industrial experience in the technical domains covered by this position.