Noordwijk (Netherlands)
ESA Graduate Trainee in Mechanisms Engineering
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
The Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division (TEC-MS) is the centre of competence of the Agency in all areas related to Spacecraft and Launcher Structures, Mechanisms including Tribology and Pyrotechnic devices as well as Materials and Processes. This encompasses spacecraft and launcher lightweight structures, stable structures, advanced mechanical materials applications, 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. It provides support to projects, preparatory programs and technology programs.
The Mechanisms Section (TEC-MSM) is in charge of the design, engineering and verification of space mechanisms.
Space mechanisms is a very wide and challenging engineering domain requiring specific expertise and for which many topics deserve specific attention, down to the ultimate details.
This entails responsibility for:
- Overall mechanism definition, design and engineering
- Mechanism performance evaluation, simulation and analysis (including hardware tests where appropriate)
- Mechanism technology research and development (R&D) (addressing areas such as tribology/lubrication engineering, tribology freeand compliant mechanisms, mechanical components including ball bearings and gears, position sensors, pyrotechnics, electric motors
- New/alternative actuation principles e.g. by using active/smart materials)
- Mechanism and actuator drive and control concept
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
You will provide assistance to ESA Mechanisms engineers and will be given some specific tasks which may include:
- Critical review of design/analysis/simulation/optimisation/test activities/characterisation/validation (up to correlation of analysis with test results) in the area of space mechanisms
- Feasibility assessment of new mechanism design concepts
- Participation in the definition and implementation of R&D activities
- Participation in the project review process
- Participation in Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) studies
- Support of in-house research and technology investigations using hands-on laboratory facilities
For the above-mentioned engineering tasks, you may have to use the following software packages: MATLAB/Simulink®, CAD design tools (such as Inventor) or other more specialised software tools (FLUX, ANSYS Maxwell, COMSOL, ADAMS, LabVIEW, CABARET, RBS-DYN, OptiStruct etc.), with particular emphasis on:
- Time and frequency domain performance representation and analysi
- Multi-body system modelling and simulation
- Design (including topology optimisation) and FEM analysis of compliant mechanisms
- Electromagnetic system modelling and simulation
- Multiphysics modelling and simulation
- Ball bearing loading/strength & stiffness analysis
- Test data acquisition and post-processing
Furthermore, you may be involved in development, design, manufacturing and test activities using and extending the test benches of the Space Mechanisms Hands-on Laboratory Facility at ESTEC. You may also be involved in prototyping various mechanisms by utilising additive manufacturing capabilities available in ESTEC.
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
You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Additional requirements
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions 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.
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, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented 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.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
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