Stage vacatures in Drachten

Deadline to apply: 12/02/2026

We are looking for a Structures Engineer on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA) for their location in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. The successful candidate will be responsible for tasks in the field of structures encompassing, but not limited to, mechanical systems configuration, structural design, static & dynamic analyses, fracture control and mechanical testing.

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:

• General tasks:

  • Provide general structural engineering support to the Agency through all development phases of the Agency’s projects and programs: support in the definition of specifications, contribution to finding solutions to design and verification issues, participation in progress meetings and reviews, support in structural test programs, etc;
  • Issue relevant structural engineering documentation;
  • Assist in the identification, requirement definition and implementation of enabling structures technology activities for future ESA missions;
  • Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of relevant Structures Engineering Standards and Handbooks;
  • Contribute to the development of structural engineering tools and methodologies for the Agency.

• Design and configuration specific tasks:

  • Provide support in configuration definition aspects for spacecraft and launchers;
  • Contribute to CDF studies from design and configuration aspects perspective;
  • Perform technical budget assessments;
  • Manage CAD interfaces and configuration data with Agency contractors.

• Modelling and analysis specific tasks:

  • Support the generation of structural models (e.g., FEM, BEM, SEA models);
  • Support the execution and evaluation of structural analyses such as static, buckling/stability, thermo-elastic, transient, modal, frequency response, random vibration, vibroacoustic and shock response analyses;
  • Apply and/or develop specific (non-linear) solution sequences where necessary (e.g., NASTRAN DMAPS);
  • Perform launcher-spacecraft coupled loads analysis;
  • Produce reduced/condensed models;
  • Perform temperature mapping from thermal models to structural models.

• Testing specific tasks:

  • Support the preparation, execution, and evaluation of mechanical tests (modal survey, sine, random, acoustics, micro-vibration, shock, etc) for spacecraft and launchers;
  • Update structural models with test data (correlation).

• Damage Tolerance / Fracture Control specific tasks:

  • Support the definition and implementation of the structural integrity / fracture control and safety policy;
  • Perform fatigue and fracture mechanics analyses, assist in defining and evaluating relevant test data, and make usage of these results for updating structural material databases.

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 mandatory requirements. If it doesn’t align completely with the essential criteria, it could result in rejection.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering;

• At least 10 years of relevant experience;

• Solid experience in structural dynamics analysis;

• 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;

• 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.

Early applications are encouraged as they allow for a smooth and efficient recruitment process. Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your application.