Description

Materials and Processes Engineer in the Materials and Processes Section, Structures, Mechanisms and Materials Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Materials and Processes Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the area of materials and associated manufacturing processes.

As an initial assignment, you will report to the Vega Launch System and Engineering Manager, focusing on the industrial process robustness improvements to be implemented in the framework of the Return-to-Flight Programme.

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 materials and processes throughout all project phases, with a particular focus on, but not limited to, composite and metallic materials, related bonding and joining processes, material/process relationships, predictive performance modelling, process and product verification and defect analysis;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• supporting the selection of materials, mechanical parts and processes for ESA programmes in the framework of the Materials and Processes Review Boards;
• 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;
• supporting tests, qualifications and failure investigations by coordinating relevant laboratory test activities and, in particular, modelling of materials performance relating to applied processes and stimuli and drafting relevant reports;
• liaising and collaborating with other engineering disciplines;
• developing test and modelling methodologies for the evaluation of materials and for verifying processes against application requirements;
• participating in the definition, drafting, implementation and updating of the ECSS standards relevant to the Section’s domain of competence;
• supporting the implementation of the ESA Advanced Manufacturing Cross-Cutting Initiative and proposing new batches of associated activities by reviewing and assessing the (advanced) manufacturing technologies, including digitalisation and virtual manufacturing, and ensuring synergy with other industrial high-end technology domains, for example aeronautics, nuclear, automotive or medical;
• 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.

Specific duties at ESRIN

Under the authority of the VEGA Launch System and Engineering Manager, you will focus on activities aimed at increasing the robustness of the industrial processes for Vega, including:
• leading Vega Launch System robustness improvement activities by implementing and monitoring the relevant recommendations, in particular for materials and processes, in a cross cutting manner:

o Identifying the technical requirements and apportionments within your domain of responsibility, ensuring coherence at system level;
o Managing the FMEA processes and identifying the robustness cases;
o Assessing the industrial processes qualification plan and verification records;
o Assessing the industrial control plans;
o Elaborating statements of work for industrial procurements in your domain of responsibility;
o Performing the assessment of industrial proposals and requests for changes;
o Monitoring the timely implementation of the industrial activities in your domain of responsibility;
o Reviewing industrial deliveries produced for all reviews at system level and, if necessary, at subsystem level, in your domain of responsibility;

• Leading reliability engineering activities and ensuring industrial follow-on:

o Supporting production, mission preparation, operations and flight exploitation in your domain of responsibility as required;
o Assessing the impact of flight anomalies on estimated reliability;
o Assessing the impact of non-conformances on mission reliability;

• Implementing production data monitoring and statistical analysis;

• Elaborating and maintaining the Launch System Critical Item List;
• Systematic, exhaustive reporting of the status and criticalities of the activities in your domain of responsibility and identification of the resulting risks and risk mitigation actions for implementation in your domain.

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

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master’s degree in materials engineering or science, or another related field, is required for this post.

Additional requirements

At least five years of professional experience and a demonstrated ability to lead technical activities in the launcher system area.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interact with industry.

Direct experience in the development of Vega-related products would be an asset.