Aerothermodynamics Engineer

We are looking for an Aerothermodynamics Engineer on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) for their location in ​Noordwijk, The Netherlands​. Please be aware that this a temporary maternity leave cover position for a fixed period of 4 months. 

Please note, the successful candidate will be employed by ATG Europe (or one of its subsidiaries). Furthermore, upon selection, they will be subject to a general security screening performed by an external provider (further information will be provided at interview stage). 

The successful candidate will be tasked with, but not limited to: 

• Support to specific ESA-projects executing aerothermodynamic analysis of spacecrafts at high altitude, either in orbit or during aerobraking and de-orbiting manoeuvres; prediction of plume-impingement effects onto spacecraft surface (mechanical loads, heat fluxes, contamination) due to stability and control operating-manoeuvres like docking, firing of separation rockets, backflow; analysis of high-altitude thrusters performance by statistical simulation of viscous flow inside nozzles and micronozzles etc; 

The activities of the work package also include:  

• Study of the critical areas of the problems;  

• Determination of the strategy for analysis;  

• Use of Direct Simulation Monte Carlo, DSMC, technique;  

• Assessment of level of validation;  

• Improvement of physical models;  

• Numerical convergence of the problem including grid convergence;  

• Analysis of the numerical solution with emphasis on the uncertainties;  

• Comparison with experimental and other numerical available data;  

• Generation of post processing data for projects;  

• Support to specific ESA projects in the area of design for demise, flight vehicle and aerothermodynamics engineering;  

• Architecture design, analysis and technical assessment flight vehicles including (re)-entry, expendable, and reusable vehicles;  

• Analysis and studies of the flight engineering, design for demise, and propulsion of launchers, re-entry and planetary entry probes;  

• Support to propulsion modelling and mathematical analysis;  

• Use of the Section methods and tools;  

• Support to CDF in relevant areas;  

• Prediction of plume-impingement effects onto spacecraft surface (mechanical loads, heat fluxes, contamination);  

• Analysis of high-altitude thrusters performance by statistical simulation of viscous flow inside nozzles and micronozzles; etc;  

• Analysis of the numerical solutions with emphasis on the uncertainties;  

• Comparison with experimental and other numerical available data.  

ATG is dedicated to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, handicap or any other reason protected by relevant state or municipal legislation, we are pleased to consider all eligible candidates for employment. 

Please ensure that your CV clearly explains how you meet the essential requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection. 

• MsC or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics or Mathematics; 

• At least 4 years of relevant experience;  

• Autonomy in the execution of complex activities with latitude on hot to implement;  

• Proven background in aerothermodynamics analysis methodologies;  

• Solid experience with engineering tools used for design and verification of space vehicles with emphasis on the dynamic stability of capsules;  

• Knowledge in engine design optimising tools;  

• Good command of atmospheric ascent and re-entry process;  

• Team spirit and positive, result oriented work attitude as well as good interpersonal and communication skills;  

• Motivation to continuously acquire new skills and to adapt to a changing and fast paced environment; 

• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the EU;  

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. 

Please submit your application in English via the apply button below. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered.