Vacancies

Structures Engineer

Job Introduction

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 offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to Launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development. With over 55 years history in the space sector Serco is well placed to contribute to National strategies and New Space ventures who want to scale their businesses/organizations with skilled talent.

We are seeking a Structures Engineer to work on our Customers Site (ESA-ESTEC) in the Netherlands. This is a fantastic opportunity to get into one of the most sought-after space agencies in the world.

Main Responsibilities

As Structures Engineer you will concentrate your activities on the following:

General Spacecraft, Payloads, and Launcher Structures

Support ESA projects throughout all development phases, from design studies to flight acceptance reviews.
Assist with structural specifications, design reviews and structural test programmes.
Solve structural design and verification issues in ongoing projects.
Identify and support enabling structural technologies for future ESA missions.
Contribute to developing and maintaining structures engineering standards and handbooks.

Design and Configuration

Support spacecraft and launcher configuration studies, including CAD work and participation in design sessions.
Carry out mass, inertia and balance calculations and provide related documentation.
Perform preliminary structural analyses using FEM models.
Ensure smooth CAD data transfer with contractors and proper integration with FEM tools.
Help develop and maintain structures and configuration tools, including in the Concurrent Design Facility (CDF).
Support progress meetings, reviews and maintain CAD and FEM model databases.
Contribute to standards and handbook updates.

Static, Buckling/Stability, and Thermo-Elastic Analysis

Build and set up finite element models for structural analyses.
Conduct static, stability (buckling) and thermo-elastic analyses, including interpretation of temperature maps.
Evaluate results, assess safety margins and document all analysis steps.
Apply non-linear approaches and develop specific solution sequences as needed.

Structural Dynamics and Vibration Test Data

Create dynamic FEM models for spacecraft and launchers and perform dynamic analyses (modal, frequency, transient, random).
Produce reduced dynamic models and maintain tools for launcher–spacecraft coupled loads analysis.
Model fluid-structure interactions, vibro-acoustic and shock responses using various analysis methods.
Support mechanical tests (modal survey, vibration, acoustic, micro-vibration, shock), analyse test data and update structural models.
Identify technology improvements and contribute to tool and method development.

Damage Tolerance and Fracture Control

Support structural integrity and fracture control policies for spacecraft and launchers.
Participate in safety panels and certification reviews.
Develop and use tools and methods for structural integrity evaluation, including fatigue and fracture mechanics analyses.
Analyse test data, update material databases and support verification for manned spaceflight systems.
Contribute to standards and handbook updates.

Successful Candidate

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

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering.
Relevant experience in spacecraft and launcher structures design, analysis, verification and testing.
Good understanding of space system engineering and space engineering standards (ECSS).
Practical experience with numerical analysis tools such as Nastran, Patran, Abaqus and ESACRACK.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a diverse and international team.
Capable of defining and implementing solutions aligned with team goals, individual objectives and project deadlines.
Candidates must be EU nationals.

On offer

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

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.

About the Company

Why should you join Serco ?

At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.

Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.

A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression

Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion.

We are diverse and inclusive organisation

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinion that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.

We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you. Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.

In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are partner of Diversicom and member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment Team

Important:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.

Applicants are reminded that they will be requested to produce such documentation during the recruitment process.

Please contact a member of the recruitment team if you require further details of acceptable types of documentation required for verification of identity and work authorization.

Data Protection:

For more information on how the personal data in your application is process, please see the link Data Protection policy here.

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