VEGA and Space Rider Mechanical, Thermal, and Pyro Lead Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates across multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Paris, France, and various establishments throughout Europe, including the European Space Research Institute (ESRIN) in Frascati, Italy, where this position is based.

Job Overview:
The VEGA and Space Rider Mechanical, Thermal, and Pyro Lead Engineer will play a crucial role in the Flight Programme Department within the Directorate of Space Transportation. This position entails comprehensive responsibility for all engineering activities related to mechanical, pyrotechnics, and thermal domains across the VEGA and Space Rider programmes. The successful candidate will work under the hierarchical authority of the Vega and Space Rider Launch System and Engineering Manager, ensuring that all engineering activities align with the technical requirements and standards. The role emphasizes the management of design, procurement, development, validation, and manufacturing of subsystem components throughout the entire project lifecycle, particularly focusing on the Vega C exploitation phase. The engineer will also coordinate activities related to assembly, integration, and testing (AIT/AIV) at both system and subsystem levels, providing expert support for ground testing and launch campaign preparations, especially during the Spacecraft Combined Operations Phase for both institutional and commercial missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the VEGA and Space Rider Mechanical, Thermal, and Pyro Lead Engineer include acting as the Product Manager for design, development, qualification, assembly, integration, testing, flight acceptance, and post-flight analyses of new developments. The engineer will monitor the manufacture and acceptance of Vega C/E elements, ensuring compliance with mission-specific configurations. Responsibilities also include performing and supervising mechanical and structural analyses, providing technical expertise for resolving flight and ground anomalies, and assessing the impact of change requests. The engineer will coordinate technical activities addressing critical components and materials obsolescence, contribute to analytical simulation capabilities, and participate in major Vega C/E Launch System reviews. Additionally, the engineer will support the preparation of statements of work, evaluate industrial proposals, negotiate contracts, and assess industry deliverables, ensuring the implementation of key project milestones.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven Launch System Engineering expertise, with in-depth knowledge of mechanical, thermal, and pyrotechnic subsystems across the full lifecycle. They should demonstrate the ability to act as Technical Authority, including monitoring qualification status and assessing changes, waivers, and deviations. Strong competence in mechanical/structural and thermal analyses is required, along with solid experience in AIT/AIV activities. The candidate should have a proven track record of working with industry, including preparing statements of work and participating in technical reviews. Behavioral competencies such as result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation, relationship management, continuous improvement, and forward thinking are essential.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in a relevant engineering field is required for this position. This educational background should be complemented by a strong foundation in engineering principles and practices relevant to space transportation systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the field of space transportation systems, particularly with European launch systems. Experience should include familiarity with the Vega family and comparable European space transportation programmes, focusing on payload accommodation and environmental control during operations.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, extendable to indefinite, and is classified within the grade band A2-A

• Recruitment will be conducted within this grade band, but candidates with less than four years of relevant experience may be considered for an A1 level position. Applicants must be eligible to access information subject to European or US export control regulations and must be able to acquire security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance. The agency values diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Frequent travel and on-site presence at industrial facilities and launch sites may be required.