Life and Physical Sciences Instrumentation and Life Support Laboratory Operations Engineer

We are looking for a ​Laboratory Engineer​ to complete our consultants Workforce Management Service to support the ​Life and Physical Sciences Instrumentation and Life Support Laboratory​ of the European Space Agency (ESA) at their location in ​Noordwijk, the Netherlands​. The purpose of this Support Service is to ​work on life and physical sciences instrumentation and experiments for microgravity research, life support and environmental control and other exploration related activities​. 

The ESTEC Laboratories of the Optics, Robotics and Life Science Division are ones of a suite of unique world-class laboratories within The Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality (D/TEC) of the European Space Agency (ESA). Within the domains covered by the Division, the laboratories currently implement numerous tests and engineering analyses per year across a range of disciplines. The laboratories host a wide range of analytical state-of-the-art bench top equipment, as well as multiple purpose-built facilities for specific environmental, electro-mechanic and optical testing. A common scope of all laboratories of the Division is to provide availability to state-of-the-art facilities for the training and education of ESA stagiaires and young graduates. 

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 the interview stage). 

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. 

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

• The Life & Physical Sciences Instrumentation and Life Support Laboratory (LIS), on-site offers the following services: 

• Assessment and verification of experimental instrument design concepts and measurements principles of both projects and technology R&D;  

• Verification of the feasibility of new ideas through rapid breadboarding;  

• Cleaning , detection, disinfection and sterilisation activities for flight projects;  

• Provision of support to scientific experiments;  

• Performance of science verification and flight sequence tests;  

• Preparation of biological samples for flight and ground-based experiments. 

In particular, the Laboratory Engineer will:

• Perform standard/routine tasks as per Routine tests for Life and Physical Sciences Instrumentation and Life Support Laboratory; 

• Perform standard/routine tasks related to planetary protection certification (sampling, assaying, evaluation); 

• Perform tasks related to the operation and maintenance of the ISO 1 clean room; 

• Support customers during the usage of the ISO 1 clean room, while maintaining all necessary procedural protocols; 

• Maintain and operate the Dry Heat Sterilizer; 

• Maintain and operate the Large Diameter Centrifuge; 

• Maintain and operate all gravity simulation hardware (random positioning machines, clinostats...); 

• Support testing and assembly of flight hardware of payloads and scientific experiments; 

• Support operational testing using ground reference models; 

• Provide expert advice for precision cleaning and sterilisation of flight hardware; 

• Support off-site measurement and testing; 

• Support customers with procurement of ad-hoc supplies and hardware. This may include the design and coordination of the manufacturing of small custom-made set-ups for lab users (e.g. sample plates, small electrical setups, etc, coordinate with the workshop); 

• Support Nonconformance Report (NCR)/Nonconformance Review Board (NRB) processes. 

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

• A Master's degree or equivalent qualification in engineering  

• At least 4 years of relevant working experience; 

• Experience with the following routine tests for Life and Physical Sciences Instrumentation and Life Support Laboratory: 

  • Routine bioassay swabbing and bioburden evaluation; 

  • Routine sampling of airborne bioburden; 

  • Routine sampling and analysis of airborne molecular organic contamination; 

  • Routine molten salt electrolysis reduction furnaces; 

  • Routine gas analysis. 

• Familiarity with space programmes and space instruments testing the scope of the Service (Life Science and Instrumentation); 

• Experience in operation of testing labs, covering planning, calibration, maintenance, cleanliness management; 

• Knowledge of health and safety aspects of a lab; 

• Knowledge and experience of ESA/ESTEC procurement rules is a distinctive advantage; 

• Knowledge and experience in preparation and implementation of testing campaigns, including preparation of supporting documentation; 

• Knowledge and experience in managing non-conformances; 

• Knowledge of ISO 9001 standards; 

• Experience in Quality Assurance implementation, in particular in testing and engineering labs; 

• Knowledge of health and safety in lab environments; 

• Experience in performance of testing activities; 

• Ability to follow a test plan and test protocol; 

• Ability to report test results; 

• Fair experience of people management; 

• 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.