Vibration Test Manager – Space & Aerospace

McFly & Brown; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 66,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job description

Mechanical Testing Manager – Space & Aerospace

Space & Aerospace · The Netherlands · ESTEC test facilities · Up to €6,500 gross per month

Would you like to apply your experience with vibration testing and shakers within the European space industry? In this role, you will lead a technical team working with advanced mechanical test facilities at ESTEC in the Netherlands. You will be responsible for, among other things, vibration tests used to qualify satellites, spacecraft and components for the demanding conditions encountered during transportation and launch. Experience within the space industry is not required: a technical background in automotive, aviation, rail, heavy machinery or hightech can also be an excellent fit for this position.

Your Responsibilities

You will combine your technical knowledge of vibration testing with the day-to-day coordination of the team and test facilities.

• Lead and coordinate the technical team responsible for mechanical testing, vibration testing and shaker operations.
• Plan and supervise vibration test campaigns for spacecraft, satellites, subsystems and components.
• Oversee the preparation, configuration and safe execution of tests using shakers, fixtures, instrumentation and measurement systems.
• Monitor the availability and performance of the test facilities and coordinate maintenance, calibrations, inspections and technical interventions.
• Coordinate with engineers, technicians, customers, suppliers and subcontractors while continuously improving test procedures, safety and efficiency.

Company Profile

Our client operates within the European space industry and supports the testing and qualification of spacecraft, satellites and space hardware. At the test facilities located at ESTEC, products are exposed to conditions that simulate transportation, launch and operational use. Vibration testing using large shakers plays an important role in this process. You will work in an internationally oriented technical environment as part of a team of approximately 25 professionals. This position therefore also offers an interesting opportunity to move into the space industry for experienced testing professionals from sectors such as automotive, aviation, rail, heavy machinery or hightech.

Your Profile

• A technical degree, for example in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a comparable field.
• Several years of experience within a mechanical testing environment, with demonstrable hands-on experience in vibration testing.
• Practical experience operating shakers or shaker systems and preparing and performing vibration tests.
• Experience with test articles, fixtures, instrumentation and measurement systems, combined with a good understanding of working safely with powerful test equipment.
• Experience coordinating, supervising or leading engineers and/or technicians, as well as professional proficiency in English.
• Preferred: experience with, for example, electrodynamic or hydraulic shakers, sine/random vibration testing, shock testing, vibration control systems, environmental testing or acoustic testing.
• Citizenship of one of the ESA member states (EU + UK, Switzerland and Norway) is required.

Do you not meet every requirement, but do you recognise yourself in the role? We would still be happy to receive your application!

Offer

• A gross monthly salary of up to €6,500, excluding additional employment benefits.
• €5.000,- (tax free) relocation fee, if you have to move house.
• A fully paid additional pension contribution equal to 15% of your monthly salary.
• A technical leadership role combining team management with hands‑on knowledge of vibration testing and shakers.
• The opportunity to work with advanced test facilities on the qualification of European spacecraft and satellite technology, including opportunities for professional development and technical training.