Materials' Physics and Chemistry Engineer

Description

Materials Physics and Chemistry Engineer in the Materials Physics and Chemistry Section, Technical Reliability and Quality Division, Product Assurance and Safety Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Materials Physics and Chemistry Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the fields of Materials Physics and Chemistry, associated processes and environmental effects.

The Section supports project-specific activities in the selection, characterisation, verification, approval and application of metallic and non-metallic materials & processes for ESA programmes with a focus on the process and environmental verification. Environmental verification covers the ground as well as the space environment.

Duties

Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of materials physics and chemistry throughout all project phases, with a focus on the verification of the manufacturing processes, logistics and space environment compatibility, including the effects on the physical and chemical properties of the product impacting the space system reliability and life expectancy;
• ensuring materials and processes and sub-assemblies are compatible with mission requirements in terms of space and ground environmental effects (vacuum, temperature, contamination, etc.) as well as with storage and launcher requirements;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluations of procurement proposals;
• supporting project-specific activities in the selection, characterisation, verification, approval and application of metallic/non-metallic materials and processes for ESA programmes, focusing on materials physics & chemistry, critical processes and environmental effects;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution via e.g. NRBs, auditing, etc.;
• coordinating and supporting non-conformance investigations and failure analysis in the required fields of competence above;
• developing and implementing procedures for new laboratory test methods and materials analysis techniques with a focus on the characterisation of physical and chemical properties and environmental effects; this includes analysing future mission requirements (in cooperation with the Space Environment and Effects Section for the definition of the mission environments) and preparing appropriate evaluation techniques as well as predictive modelling;
• contributing to the definition and implementation 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;
• contributing to implementation of Agency-wide initiatives such as CleanSpace, Space & Energy, etc., focusing on materials’ physics & chemistry, associated processes and environmental effects;
• supporting and contributing to the establishment and implementation of requirements, handbooks and standards regarding space materials (Q-70 series) in the domain of competence;
• maintaining and developing ESA's competence in materials physics & chemistry, associated processes and environmental effects, promoting achievements and concepts through conferences, workshops and training;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities, as required;
• 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 competence.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

A Master’s degree in materials science or engineering, materials physics or chemistry, applied physics or similar field related to the position is required.

Additional requirements

Understanding of how materials and their associated processes are affected by the environment (ground and space) and how test methods are developed to characterize such effects is required.

Familiarity and knowledge of environmental modelling software like SPENVIS is an asset.