Job Description

Structures Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20583

Date Posted: 18 May 2026

Closing Date: 8 June 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace:

Noordwijk, NL Noordwijk, NL Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Structures Engineer in the Structures Section (TEC-MSS), Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Structures Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) on all aspects of spacecraft and launcher structures, from load derivation and structural sizing to functional space structure design and testing.

The Section’s work covers the full cycle of structural engineering, from mission requirements and verification philosophy to advanced test campaigns and the development of next-generation structures. In addition, the Section drives innovation in structural digital twins, advanced manufacturing, virtual testing and sustainable materials, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of space structural technologies.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Section. Within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

participating in feasibility studies for the preparation of specifications and analysis of industrial proposals;
providing functional support to approved spacecraft and payload projects and conceptual and feasibility studies in relation to all aspects of mechanical systems and configuration, structural design, static and dynamic analyses, fracture control and mechanical testing;
identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution, including the evaluation of complete mechanical systems;
performing structural analyses as required to support the development of structure subsystems;
participating in major reviews of spacecraft, launchers and payloads;
establishing and evaluating specifications for the development and qualification of spacecraft system and subsystem structures with respect to defining requirements for environment-induced loads, model development philosophy and relevant verification methods;
participating in the definition and execution of Agency standards and technology R&D programmes with special emphasis on mechanical system and configuration aspects, lightweight structures, structural dynamics and advanced structural material technologies;
supporting activities relating to structural integrity, as well as the evaluation of loads during the lifetime of the structures and their impact on overall verification, including the establishment of specifications, design, analysis, inspection and testing;
supporting concurrent design activities in relation to mechanical system aspects;
monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise.

Your duties may also include performing other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Experience in the development and verification of space hardware

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

Understanding of related technologies and R&D trends and familiarity with the industrial landscape

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)

Experience of the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

Behavioural competencies

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

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

Education and professional experience

A master's degree in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering, or a related field, is required for this post together with at least four years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

Experience in the following is an asset:

Structural digital twins and virtual testing
Advanced manufacturing for space structures
Structural health monitoring (SHM)
Sustainability and demisability in structural design

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
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

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.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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 are only 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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.