About this job

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA.

Serco has made significant contributions at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands, supporting a wide range of space missions and projects. Serco has provided essential engineering, technical, and management services, playing a key role in logistics and operational support for missions. Serco’s expertise in spacecraft management, ground systems and data processing has earned them recognition, including ‘Best in Domain’ awards from ESA. Their long-standing partnership with ESA reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation in the space sector.

On behalf of our client, the European Space Agency, we are looking for a Mechanisms Engineer to join our team at the esteemed ESA-ESTEC site, in the Netherlands. Step into a remarkable role that grants you access to one of the globe’s highly coveted space agencies! As a Mechanisms Engineer you will drive the innovation and reliability of space missions through advanced mechanism technologies and performance evaluations. Your expertise will shape the future of space exploration by ensuring mission success and pioneering new standards in engineering excellence.

Responsibilities

As a Mechanisms Engineer you will concentrate your activities on the following:

• Mechanisms support to all ESA project directorates with respect to the implementation of space mechanism technologies in current and future missions, including configuration assessments and mission performance evaluation.
• Establishment of Statement of Work and Preliminary Requirement Specifications for Mechanism Systems, Individual Mechanisms or Mechanism components dedicated to Technology and Research & Development.
• Perform and support in the role of Mechanism engineer, System Level Mission Definition studies and system conceptual design activities in support of the ESA long term/future mission plans.
• Identification of enabling mechanism and tribological technologies for future ESA missions.
• Support investigations of mechanisms being out of performance, including malfunctions and contingency scenarios.
• Support and contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the Space Mechanisms ECSS Engineering Standards.
• Generation and set-up of appropriate space mechanisms analysis and simulation models using analysis tools based on technical documentation of space mechanisms.
• Back up and archiving of analysis models for later retrieval.

Profile

Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in mechanical or aeronautical engineering.
• + 4 years of relevant experience within the field of mechanism design, analysis, verification and testing.
• Excellent knowledge in space system engineering, specializing in mechanisms.
• Knowledge of the Space Mechanism ECSS standard and its application to the design and verification of mechanisms.
• Good knowledge of space mechanism testing and verification methodologies and techniques and a
• Good knowledge of related mechanisms numerical analysis tools such as Adams, VirtualLab MotionT, SIMPACK, Matlab/Simulink, Maxwell, Flux etc.
• 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.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are needed, together with a high degree organizational and communication abilities.
• Proficient in the English language, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of another EU member state language is an asset.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the EU.

On offer

• Flexible working policy (hybrid working).
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan.
• A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs.
• Casual dress code.

Relocation:

The Netherlands’ central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe’s busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel.

Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.

DE&I

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Serco is based on a culture where every voice is heard and every employee feels valued. Working together as one team, we can enhance the experience of our people and teams, improve the value of our solutions to better serve the missions of our customers, and make an impact in our world.