Thermal Analysis and Verification Engineer

European Space Agency - ESA; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking a Thermal Analysis and Verification Engineer in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The role supports the Thermal Analysis and Verification Section within the Thermal Division, contributing to thermal methods, tools, and interdisciplinary analysis for ESA missions and instruments.

The successful candidate will perform thermal analyses, participate in verification activities, and contribute to technology development programs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant domain and 5 years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of multidisciplinary analysis, software engineering and numerical methods is an asset.
• Experience with thermal analysis methods and verification in aerospace contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support and consultancy in thermal analysis and verification across project phases.
• Perform thermal and interdisciplinary analyses to support ESA projects and data exchange tasks.
• Participate in thermal verification and testing activities.
• Engage in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals.
• Identify development problems and assist in resolving them.
• Help define technology development requirements and work plans for agency programmes.
• Define, initiate and manage R&D activities for long- and short-term needs.
• Monitor scientific/technological trends and maintain state-of-the-art expertise.
• Disseminate results and transfer knowledge across the Agency.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Analytical thinking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Project support

Laboratory testing

Education

Master's degree in a relevant domain

Tools

ESATAN-TMS

Job description

Thermal Analysis and Verification Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20601

Date Posted: 31 August 2026

Closing Date: 21 September 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment (learn more): Fixed-Term

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace

Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band (learn more): A2 - A4

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location

ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Thermal Analysis and Verification Engineer in the Thermal Analysis and Verification Section, Thermal Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Thermal Analysis and Verification Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research and development (R&D) in the field of thermal analysis methods and tools, as well as interdisciplinary analysis in the mechanical domain and related product data exchange. It is also responsible for the Mechanical Systems Laboratory, which provides support to ESA projects and external customers in the area of thermal and mechanical verification by test.

The Section is part of the Thermal Division, a key centre of competence in space thermal engineering. The Division covers the complete temperature range and is staffed with around 45 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal technologies and methodologies. The Section offers, as such, a unique opportunity to contribute on the thermal challenges faced by ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.

Duties

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of thermal analysis (including related methods, tools and product data exchange) and verification throughout all project phases;
• performing thermal and interdisciplinary analysis to support ESA projects, including product data exchange tasks;
• participating in thermal verification and testing activities;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• 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;
• 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.

Duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

Technical competencies

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Knowledge of thermal analysis tools such as ESATAN-TMS, as well as knowledge of space thermal control engineering

Understanding of and practical experience with related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Environmental testing for space hardware

Experience with laboratory or field testing of relevant technical equipment

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and laboratory technical infrastructure

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education And Professional Experience

A master's degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional Requirements

Knowledge of and interest in multidisciplinary analysis, software engineering, and numerical methods would be considered an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

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 & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, 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.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that 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.