Description

The Structures Mechanisms and Materials Division is the Agency’s centre of competence for all areas related to spacecraft and launcher structures, mechanisms, tribology and pyrotechnic devices, as well as materials and processes. A non-exhaustive list of the domains covered includes spacecraft and launcher lightweight structures, stable structures, advanced and traditional materials and processes for all spacecraft and launcher system and subsystem manufacturing, structural dynamics, damage tolerance, deployable structures/booms, active structures, hold-down and release devices, electrical motors for space mechanisms, launcher and re-entry vehicle hot and cold structures, landing attenuation systems, seals, valves, parachute systems, separation systems, solar array drive mechanisms, reaction wheels, pointing mechanisms, pyrotechnics, bearings and tribology aspects.

Within its area of competence, the Division provides engineering support to all ESA missions, and is responsible for the implementation of technology development programmes to enable future missions.

To meet its objectives, the Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division is equipped with world-class computational facilities and has direct access to ESTEC’s world-leading Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory, covering the full spectrum of material characterisation testing capabilities and failure investigation. Moreover, the Division operates the Mechanisms Hands-On Laboratory for space mechanisms and micro-vibration characterisation and modelling.

Duties

Thanks to its highly interdisciplinary nature, the Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division very much fosters and maximises cross-fertilisation opportunities offered by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, computational materials engineering and digital twinning across all engineering and technology domains.

You will work in a multi-disciplinary function both within the Division and with industrial interfaces. In particular, you will:

• develop microstructural models/analyses, materials and process modelling/verification frameworks, and mechanism modelling and testing, with a clear focus on the state of the art and evolution opportunities in the digitalisation environment;
• define all currently adopted digital twin, artificial intelligence and machine learning practices in the three above-mentioned areas;
• foster cooperation between materials and process engineering, mechanical engineering and mechanism development where a digital twin and virtual testing application will provide the highest benefit (with clearly identified figures of merit in terms of design and performance improvement, lead time and cost reduction);
• develop digital models for those three case studies and define/perform a verification test campaign for each of the three elements, targeting a well-identified spacecraft/launcher qualification test campaign;
• develop a virtual test campaign, to be performed in a fully virtual environment, reproducing the physical test defined above, and compare the results obtained with the outcome of the physical test campaign;
• define all the associated guidelines to help change industrial practices with respect to the adoption of digital twins and virtual testing, starting with manufacturing and then taking in the assembly and verification phases for the three selected components;
• start drafting guidelines/handbooks for digital twin use and virtual testing in the Division’s areas of competence;
• disseminate the results obtained in the form of scientific papers and participation in conferences/symposiums in the relevant areas.

Development programme

In addition to your daily work, you will take part in an extensive learning and development programme. From day one, you will learn on the job and benefit from tailored development opportunities, including participation in technical and key skills training courses. 

Furthermore, there is a mobility component to the Junior Professional Programme that can be either an internal rotation to another team within ESA, an external secondment outside of ESA or a combination of both. Internal rotations aim to boost your professional experience and knowledge of the European Space Agency, whereas external secondments aim to boost your professional experience and knowledge of the European space sector. 

This programme represents a significant investment by ESA in your personal and professional development and is designed to provide you with the required knowledge and skills for a career at ESA. You can expect to be given many opportunities to develop your professional experience and competencies, to learn from ESA experts and to contribute to ESA activities. 

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in in mechanical engineering (or similar) with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) applied to mechanical engineering, design and processes is required for this post with up to three years of professional experience.

Additional requirements

You should have maximum of three years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant domain, after completion of your master's degree.