Description

Thermal Engineer in the Thermal Control Section, Thermal Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Thermal Control Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the fields of thermal control, including cryogenics, two-phase heat transport and thermal protection.

The Section is part of a key centre of competence in space thermal engineering, covering the complete temperature range, and is staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies.

The Section offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the resolution of thermal challenges as required for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment and is very active in knowledge management.

Duties

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

•    providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of thermal control throughout all project phases;
•    participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
•    performing analysis as required to support thermal subsystem definition;
•    participating in thermal testing activities and correlating analysis and test results;
•    identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
•    contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
•    defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
•    fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
•    laboratory activities as required;
•    monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
•    contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or physics is required for this post.

Additional requirements

•    Experience in spacecraft thermal engineering, related technologies and general knowledge of space thermal control analysis tools, for example ESATAN-TMS
•    Experience in cryogenics may be required to support scientific and Earth observation missions