Mechanical Engineer

McFly & Brown; Zuid-Holland; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 vacation days

13 ADV days

PME pension scheme

Commuting allowance

NS Business Card

Bicycle scheme

Company fitness benefits

Job summary

McFly & Brown in Leiden region is seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in structural analysis to develop lightweight launch vehicle structures. You will combine Finite Element Analysis with practical engineering to withstand extreme mechanical loads in an international setting.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 3+ years in FEA (FEMAP, NASTRAN, ABAQUS), strong knowledge of linear/nonlinear mechanics, and fluency in English.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering, preferably with a specialization in structural analysis.
• At least 3 years of experience as Mechanical/Structural/Stress Engineer, preferably in aerospace or advanced engineering.
• Minimum 3 years of FEA experience with FEMAP and NASTRAN, as well as ABAQUS.
• Solid understanding of linear and nonlinear mechanics, structural verification, and testing/qualification processes.
• Analytical, independent, and able to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines; fluent in English; resides in the Netherlands.

Responsibilities

• Perform Finite Element Analyses (FEA) using FEMAP and NASTRAN to assess strength, stiffness, and structural integrity of lightweight structures.
• Analyze and optimize metallic structures, balancing weight, loads, manufacturability, and safety requirements.
• Define, execute, and document mechanical testing and qualification campaigns to validate designs.
• Collaborate with design, systems, materials, manufacturing and assembly teams to develop optimal solutions.
• Support design reviews, solve complex engineering challenges, and prepare detailed calculations and test reports.

Job description

Leiden Region · Cutting-edge engineering for launch vehicles · Up to €6,500 gross/month

INTRODUCTION

Are you ready to use your expertise in structural analysis to help shape the future of European space exploration?

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join an international high-tech organization in the Leiden region, working on lightweight structures for launch vehicle structures. You will combine advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with practical engineering to develop structures capable of withstanding extreme mechanical loads.

In this role, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and make a direct contribution to innovative space technology.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform Finite Element Analyses (FEA) using FEMAP and NASTRAN to evaluate the strength, stiffness, and structural integrity of lightweight structures.
• Analyze and optimize metallic structures and assemblies, balancing weight, mechanical loads, manufacturability, and safety requirements.
• Define, execute, and document mechanical testing and qualification campaigns to validate designs against technical specifications.
• Collaborate with Design Engineers, Systems Engineers, Materials & Processes specialists, and manufacturing and assembly teams to develop optimal technical solutions.
• Support technical design reviews, solve complex engineering challenges, and prepare detailed technical documentation, calculations, and test reports.

COMPANY PROFILE

You will join an internationally operating high-tech organization that plays a key role in the European space industry. The company develops and manufactures advanced technologies for satellites, launch vehicles, and laser communication systems in space.

With decades of experience in aerospace engineering and a strong focus on innovation, this organization is recognized as a global leader in several specialized technology areas. From its location in the Leiden region, engineers work on challenging projects where technical precision, reliability, and innovation are essential.

You will become part of a specialized D&A Engineering team. The working environment is international, technically driven, and highly collaborative. Engineers are encouraged to take ownership of complex challenges, share knowledge, and continuously develop their expertise in advanced space technologies.

YOUR PROFILE

• You hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, preferably with a specialization in structural analysis.
• You have at least 3 years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer, Structural Engineer, or Stress Engineer, preferably within aerospace or another advanced engineering industry.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of experience with Finite Element Analysis, including FEMAP and NASTRAN, as well as experience with ABAQUS.
• You have a solid understanding of linear and nonlinear mechanics, structural verification, and mechanical testing and qualification processes.
• You are analytical, independent, and comfortable working across multiple engineering disciplines. You communicate effectively in English and currently reside in the Netherlands.

Nice to have: Experience with ECSS, NASM, or ASTM standards, aerospace manufacturing, or additional engineering tools such as Python, CATIA, or MSC Nastran SOL 400.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A competitive salary ranging from €4,500 to €6,500 gross per month, depending on your knowledge and experience.
• 27 vacation days and 13 additional ADV days per year, based on full-time employment.
• Flexible working hours and opportunities for flexible working arrangements within an international and technically challenging environment.
• Attractive secondary benefits, including participation in the PME pension scheme, a commuting allowance or NS Business Card, a bicycle scheme, and company fitness benefits.
• A conveniently located office near Leiden Central Station, excellent opportunities for personal and professional development, and the chance to contribute to leading European space programs.

This is a full-time position offered on a fixed-term contract. A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) and background screening are part of the recruitment process.