Materials' Physics and Chemistry Engineer

Materials Physics & Chemistry Engineer in the Materials Physics & Chemistry Section, Technical Reliability & Quality Division, Product Assurance & Safety Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering & Quality.

The Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the fields of materials physics and chemistry (MPC), associated processes and environmental effects.

It supports project specific-activities in the selection, characterisation, verification, approval and application of metallic/ non-metallic materials and processes for ESA programmes with a focus on MPC and environmental effects, the latter covering both ground and space.

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

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the MPC field   throughout all project phases, focusing on cleanliness and contamination control;
• ensuring materials, processes and sub-assemblies are compatible with mission requirements in terms of space and ground environmental effects (vacuum, temperature, contamination) and with storage and launcher requirements;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• providing contamination control engineering support to space projects, developing and analysing cleanliness requirements, reviewing and drafting control plans, test reports, analysis reports and procedures for sampling, monitoring and hardware cleaning;
• supporting project-specific activities in the selection, characterisation, verification, approval and application of metallic/non-metallic materials and processes for ESA programmes, focusing on MPC and cleanliness and contamination control;
• identifying critical development problems, assisting in their resolution via e.g. NRBs;
• coordinating and supporting non-conformance investigations and failure analysis in the required fields of competence above;
• developing and implementing procedures for new laboratory test methods and materials analysis techniques, focusing on cleanliness and contamination analysis and testing, which includes analysing future mission requirements, preparing appropriate evaluation techniques and contamination modelling;
• contributing to definition and implementation of technology development requirements and work plans for ESA technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering long- and short-term needs;
• contributing to implementation of Agency-wide initiatives such as CleanSpace, Space & Energy, focusing on MPC, associated processes and environmental effects;
• supporting and contributing to the establishment and implementation of requirements, handbooks and standards regarding space materials (Q-70 series) in the field of competence;
• maintaining and developing ESA's competence in MPC, associated processes and environmental effects, promoting achievements and concepts through conferences, workshops and training;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends, maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

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

Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in materials science or engineering, materials physics or chemistry, applied physics or any other field related to the job position.

Understanding of how materials and their associated processes are affected by the environment (ground and space) and how test methods are developed to characterise such effects.

Familiarity with and knowledge of environmental modelling software like SPENVIS is an asset.