Thermal/Cryogenics Engineer
First seen by Alion on Nov 11, 2026.
Thermal/Cryogenics Engineer in the Thermal Control Section, Thermal Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
- Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
- Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
- Type of appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite
- Grade band: A2 - A4
Description
The Thermal Control Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field 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 more than 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies.
The Section offers a unique opportunity to contribute on the thermal challenges needed for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment, and it 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 and cryogenics throughout all project phases;
- participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
- performing analyses as required to support the thermal subsystem definition, including cryogenic aspects and interfaces where relevant;
- 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;
- conducting 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;
- possibly supporting other activities within your field of expertise.
Technical competencies
- General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position
- Hands-on hardware experience
- Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
- Project support experience in a relevant domain
- Environmental testing for space hardware
- Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (Statements of Work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
- Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
- Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation
Behavioural competencies
- Result Orientation
- Operational Efficiency
- Fostering Cooperation
- Relationship Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Forward Thinking
Education and professional experience
A master's degree in in mechanical engineering or physics is required for this post together with at least four years of relevant professional experience.
Additional requirements
Experience in spacecraft thermal engineering, related technologies and a general knowledge of space thermal control analysis tools e.g. ESATAN-TMS, is required. Experience in cryogenics is mandatory.
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
Successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
Nationality and Languages
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.