Structures Engineer

We are looking for a Structures Engineer (E3) to join our Akkodis Aerospace team, working onsite at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands. 

Key Responsibilities

Structural Engineering & Design

• Support structural design, specification development, design reviews, and test campaigns.
• Resolve structural and verification issues across ESA projects.
• Contribute to the development of structural engineering standards and handbooks.

Configuration & CAD

• Perform spacecraft and launcher configuration studies using CAD tools.
• Conduct mass, inertia, and balance calculations.
• Maintain CAD/FEM model databases and ensure data exchange with contractors.

Structural Analysis

• Develop and analyze FEM models for static, buckling, and thermo-elastic behavior.
• Apply non-linear methods where needed and document all analysis steps.

Dynamic Analysis & Testing

• Conduct modal, frequency, acoustic, and shock response analyses.
• Support mechanical test campaigns and correlate test data with models.
• Develop reduced dynamic models and support tool/methodology improvements.

Fracture Control & Safety

• Implement fracture control policies and support safety panels.
• Perform fatigue and fracture mechanics analyses for metallic and composite materials.
• Contribute to tool development and structural integrity evaluations.

Company Details

Akkodis has proudly supported the Aerospace & Defence industry in the Netherlands for decades. Our partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) has been one of the many success stories allowing our people to expand their career horizons. Akkodis experts are contributing to some of the most important technical advances in Aerospace and Defence which impact the way we live our lives today, through specialised engineering expertise and other required skillsets. This could be your future. Become part of our successful team!

The European Space Agency (ESA) has sites in several European countries. 

The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), has grown into ESA’s largest establishment and the technical and organizational hub of Europe’s space sector. Missions designed and tested at ESTEC are circling Earth, have landed on planetary bodies and have probed far into the Solar System.

The infrastructure and equipment assembled here, together with the expert knowhow of its 2800 personnel, make ESTEC a unique resource for Europe. The work done here by teams skilled in every aspect of engineering for space has enabled the creation of novel communication, navigation and information services, creating new jobs and growth while improving the lives of European and world citizens.

Candidate Profile

To successfully perform the above mentioned tasks, the following background / experience is required: 

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in mechanical or aeronautical engineering.
• Relevant experience within the field of spacecraft- and launcher structures design, analysis, verification and testing.
• Good knowledge in space system engineering, and space engineering standards (ECSS). 
• Knowledge and experience of structures numerical analysis tools such as Nastran, Patran, Abaqus, ESACRACK etc
• Good interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work effectively, autonomously and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment, defining and implementing solutions in line with team and individual objectives, as well as project deadlines. 
• Good working knowledge of engineering software tools used in the Section (CATIA V6, ABAQUS) and application of these tools in the design and analysis of lightweight (aerospace) structures would be an asset.

Please send your CV to recruitmentaerospace@akkodisgroup.com before 28/07/2025