Key Tasks and Responsibilities

As part of the Structures, Materials, Mechanisms, and Thermal Engineering Section, you will have the following responsibilities:
Design and Configuration

• Support spacecraft and launcher configuration studies for Agency projects. This includes operating CAD tools and participation in Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) sessions at ESTEC.
• Perform mass, inertia and balance calculations and relevant budget assessments.
• Issue relevant documentation covering all configuration definition aspects, and where necessary shall support the configuration definition by preliminary structural analyses using FEM models.
• Ensure CAD interfaces and configuration data transfer with Agency contractors via international standards.
• Ensure the interface between the CAD systems and the relevant FEM tools to enable further evaluation of the structural behaviour.
• Contribute to the further development of the Structures and Configuration tools deployed in the Agency, including in the CDF.
• Support progress meetings and reviews in support to Agency projects.
• Support the updating and maintenance of CAD and FE models databases.
• Support and contribute to the establishment and maintenance of relevant Structures Engineering Standards and Handbooks.

Structural Dynamics Analysis and Vibration Test Data Evaluation

• Structural Dynamics:
  • Support the generation and set-up of structural dynamic mathematical models for spacecraft and launchers of Agency funded projects using the finite element method. He/she shall take into account the specific objectives of such analysis and where necessary non-linear approaches shall be considered and specific solution sequences (e.g. Nastran DMAPS) shall be developed.
  • Perform the analysis (modal, frequency and transient responses, random responses, preliminary in-house launcher – spacecraft coupled analysis), evaluate critically the results and issue relevant documentation covering all analysis steps.
  • Produce advanced reduced models of spacecraft and launchers.
  • Set up relevant documents and maintain all models and tools required to perform launcher – spacecraft coupled loads analysis.
• Fluid / Structures, Vibro-acoustic and Shock Modelling and Analysis:
  • Support the generation and set-up of dynamic mathematical models for fluid/structure interaction effects, vibro-acoustic and shock response for spacecraft, launchers and instruments of Agency funded projects using the Finite Element, the Boundary Element, and the Statistical Energy Analysis method where applicable, taking into account the specific objectives of such analyses for incompressible and compressible fluids. The above shall include (but not be limited to) tanks with / without membranes, solar arrays, spacecraft subsystem and system models.
  • Perform dynamic analysis (modes, frequency / transient / acoustic responses / shock responses), evaluate critically the results and issue relevant documentation covering all analysis steps.
  • Take into account the specific objectives of such analyses and where necessary non-linear approaches shall be considered and specific solution sequences shall be developed.
  • Support the identification of technology developments in this area aiming at enhancing relevant tools and methodologies.
• Dynamic Test Data Analysis and Correlation:
  • Support the preparation and execution of mechanical tests (modal survey, sine, random, acoustics, micro-vibration, shock, etc) for spacecraft & launchers of Agency projects by performing and/or reviewing analytical predictions and procedures.
  • Perform modal identification of the test data, evaluate critically the results and make usage of these results for updating structural finite element models.
  • Perform assessments of shock response data.
  • Take into account the specific objectives of such analyses and where necessary non-linear analyses shall be performed and specific solution sequences shall be developed.
  • Issue relevant documentation covering all analysis steps. Where applicable produce advanced reduced dynamic mathematical models

Skills & Experience

You will have the following qualifications and relevant experience:

• MSc. Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering
• Relevant experience within the field of spacecraft- and launcher structures design, analysis, verification and testing.
• Good knowledge in space system engineering, and space engineering standards (ECSS).
• Knowledge and experience of structures numerical analysis tools such as Nastran, Patran, Abaqus, ESACRACK etc.
• A good working knowledge of engineering software tools used in the Section (CATIA V6, NASTRAN,ABAQUS) and application of these tools in the design and analysis of lighweight (aerospace) structures would be an asset.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively, autonomously and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment, defining and implementing solutions in line with team and individual objectives, as well as project deadlines.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of another European language is an advantage.

This job is located in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
If you think you have what it takes for this job, please send your CV (in English) to Leandros Foteinias, by clicking on the button “Apply for this job” quoting job NL-HP-24175.
An exciting and dynamic international working environment awaits you!