Mechanical Test Engineer

Qabird; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Serco, a leading Space Services Provider, seeks a Mechanical Test Engineer to support ESA’s Test Centre at ESTEC, Noordwijk. You will contribute to MGSE design, test facility development, and hands-on support for environmental test campaigns.

The role requires collaboration with ESA engineers, facility operators, and suppliers, with emphasis on quality, safety, and procedures. You will document designs, test configurations, and report results; prior MGSE experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with MGSE design and test support.
• Experience in labs or test centres.
• Knowledge of environmental testing methods is an asset.
• Experience with CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Support MGSE design and development for tests at ESTEC.
• Prepare design docs, 3D models, drawings, analyses.
• Assist installation, verification, and acceptance testing.
• Coordinate facility developments and test campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with ESA standards and safety rules.

Skills

MGSE design

Mechanical engineering

Test support

CAD tools

Test campaigns

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD

Manufacturing drawings

Finite element analysis

Job description

Description

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 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.

Within this context, Serco is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer to support the activities of ESA’s Test Centre at ESTEC, Noordwijk. The role provides engineering and technical support across the design of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), development and modification of test facilities, and support to environmental test campaigns.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to preparing, enabling, and executing spacecraft and equipment testing by providing engineering design, facility development, and hands on test support. The position operates in a structured, procedure driven environment with strong quality, safety, and security requirements.

At Serco, we do not only offer a career but also the opportunity to join a community where everyone’s wellbeing matters, by living out the Serco values in all we do!

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) to be used for tests in the Test Centre and ESTEC laboratories.
• Prepare MGSE design documentation, including 3D models, manufacturing drawings, numerical analyses and design justification files.
• Support the installation, verification, and acceptance testing of MGSE when requested.
• Support the development, modification, and improvement of Test Centre facilities used for spacecraft environmental testing.
• Contribute to the definition and consolidation of requirements for test facility developments in coordination with ESA engineers and facility operators.
• Support procurement activities related to test facility developments, including technical inputs and follow‑up.
• Support planning, coordination, and supervision of on‑site and off‑site activities related to facility modifications and developments.
• Support the organisation, planning, and execution of test campaigns across different laboratories and test environments.
• Assess the feasibility of requested tests and contribute to defining test configurations, setups, and required equipment.
• Support the installation and configuration of test equipment and instrumentation in coordination with Test Centre personnel.
• Act as Test Engineer or Test Lead during test execution when required, supporting day‑to‑day test activities.
• Support test data acquisition, processing, and analysis and contribute to the preparation of test reports and technical documentation.
• Prepare and contribute to technical reports, MEMOs, presentations, and other deliverables supporting test activities.
• Ensure all MGSE, facility, and test support activities are performed in compliance with applicable procedures, quality manuals, safety rules, and ESA standards.
• Support internal and external audits related to test facilities, MGSE, and testing activities when requested.
• Interface with ESA engineers, Test Centre staff, laboratory personnel, and external suppliers to ensure effective coordination.
• Proactively identify technical risks, operational issues, and improvement opportunities and propose mitigation or enhancement actions.
• Handle equipment, data, and documentation in compliance with security, data protection and export control requirements.

Successful Candidate

• Delivers reliable and high‑quality engineering support across MGSE, test facilities and test execution activities.
• Ensures MGSE designs and test setups are fit for purpose, verified and properly documented.
• Contributes to efficient preparation, execution, and reporting of test campaigns.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and traceable technical and test documentation.
• Supports multidisciplinary teams effectively during routine operations and intensive test campaigns.
• Applies a pragmatic and solution‑oriented approach to technical challenges in complex test environments.
• Builds constructive and professional working relationships with ESA stakeholders, engineers, technicians and external suppliers.

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or related Engineering discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience in MGSE design, mechanical engineering, or test support activities.
• Experience working in test centres, laboratories, or similar engineering environments.
• Knowledge of environmental testing methods and facilities (e.g. vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic, EMC) is an asset.
• Experience with CAD tools and mechanical design and analysis methodologies.